Farmington, NM Hail Storm – October 2026

A mid-morning hailstorm moved through Farmington, NM on October 24, 2026, producing hail up to 1.2 inches and prompting an NWS alert for the metro area. The event was short-lived and is now concluded.

What Happened

The primary NWS alert for this event was issued at 9:45 AM MDT (15:45 UTC). Dual-polarization NEXRAD radar indicated hail near 1.11 inches within the NWS warning area at that time. Radar-detected hail extended across a concentrated portion of the Farmington metro during mid-morning hours. No additional NWS alerts were issued for this event. The storm has since weakened and is no longer active.

Damage Assessment

Hail reached 1.2 inches in maximum observed diameter. That measurement exceeds a U.S. quarter coin (1.00 inch) and is smaller than a golf ball (1.75 inches). Hail at this scale can produce dents and paint damage on parked vehicles. It can remove granules from asphalt shingles and accelerate wear on older roofing. Windows, skylights, and exposed solar panels are at risk of cracking if impacted directly. Siding and exterior fixtures made of soft metals or plastic can show impact marks and punctures.

For property owners in central Farmington, visual inspection is the first step. Photograph damage from multiple angles with a timestamp and visible scale. Check roof valleys, vents, gutters, and downspouts for granule accumulation and point damage. Note that not all impacts produce immediate leaks. Document any new leaks and roof penetrations so repairs can be prioritized.

What Contractors Should Know

Begin external triage from the ground where safe. Photograph vehicles, roofing, siding, and glazing with location metadata. Use ladders and lifts only when personnel are trained and weather is stable. Prioritize sites with active water intrusion. Temporary coverings should be installed only over verified leaks and with fasteners that do not cause additional damage. Record measurements of hail-related granule loss and compare against undamaged roof areas.

Estimate repairs with measurable details. For roofing, list damaged shingles by course and note visible mat and granule degradation. For vehicles, document dents, cracked glass, and paint breaches with scale. For solar arrays, inspect for microfractures and cell delamination under mechanical load. Provide owners with a clear scope that separates hail impact repairs from age-related deterioration. Verify permit requirements for structural repairs and retain photographic evidence for claims.

See the Strike Map for the radar-confirmed hail swath and the damage zone footprint for Farmington's October 24 event.