Cuba, NM Hail Storm – October 2026

Cuba, NM experienced a hail-producing thunderstorm on October 23, 2026, producing a maximum confirmed hail size of 2.02 inches and a multi-alert radar hail track across the local warning area.

What Happened

The event began with an NWS-issued severe thunderstorm warning at 1:11 PM MDT for 1.00-inch hail. Dual-polarization NEXRAD hail detections began shortly after and produced a series of 11 additional alerts between 2:02 PM and 6:58 PM MDT. Radar-derived hail estimates rose through mid- to late afternoon, with radar indicating sizes above 2 inches around 3:28 PM MDT. The hail-producing updrafts persisted into the early evening, with a near-2-inch radar detection recorded just before 7:00 PM MDT. The sequence totaled 12 alerts covering the NWS warning area and ended later that night. Most alerts were based on dual-polarization radar hail detection; the initial alert was NWS warning only.

Damage Assessment

Radar-detected hail spanned roughly 1.0–2.0+ inches along the hail track within the Cuba warning area. Hail in the 1.0–1.5 inch range commonly causes localized denting to vehicles and surface abrasion to asphalt shingles. Hail at or above 1.5 inches increases the risk of shingle bruising and shingle-edge damage on standard three-tab roofing. Hail approaching 2 inches can produce deeper dents in aluminum or soft-metal siding, dents in vehicle body panels, and can fracture skylights or thin single-pane glass in exposed locations.

Properties with older shingles, loose flashing, exposed HVAC condensers, or rooftop solar installations are at elevated risk along the radar-indicated track. Driveway, patio furniture, and unprotected vehicles parked under trees or carports within the warning area are most likely to show visible impact damage. Any observed roof granule loss, punctures, or rooftop glass damage noted in Cuba should be documented with time-stamped photos and kept separate from preexisting wear evidence.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize a rapid exterior survey for clients within the NWS warning area. Inspect asphalt shingles for granule loss, bruising, and fractured tabs. Check metal roofs and siding for dents. Record HVAC unit dents, condenser fin damage, and any compromised skylights or solar panels. Use high-resolution photos with timestamps and note exact addresses inside the issued warning polygon. Estimate likely scope changes for roofs older than 10 years and for properties showing concentrated damage along the radar hail track.

For immediate response use temporary tarps where shingles are penetrated or seams are open. Provide written documentation for insurance submissions that ties observed damage to the Oct 23 hail event and the local NWS warning area. Prepare repair versus replacement estimates based on measured hail impact extent. Keep crews aware of ladder and roof safety protocols during wet conditions and debris removal. Maintain separate records for preexisting damage and new hail impacts.