Picacho, NM Hail Storm – October 2026

Picacho, NM experienced a multi-zone severe hail event on October 25, 2026, producing a peak radar-measured stone of 2.41 inches and a string of NWS alerts through the early evening and late evening hours. The storm is concluded.

What Happened

The storm moved through the Picacho metro area in the early to late evening. Eight distinct NWS alert messages were issued for the event. Several alerts were based on dual-polarization radar detections; others were NWS warning-only alerts triggered by observed storm structure and warnings.

Alert sequence (local times):

• October 25 · 5:46 PM MDT (23:46 UTC) – 1.00-inch hail – radar-detected via dual-polarization NEXRAD
• October 25 · 6:21 PM MDT (00:21 UTC) – 1.00-inch hail – NWS warning only
• October 25 · 6:41 PM MDT (00:41 UTC) – 1.00-inch hail – NWS warning only
• October 25 · 7:57 PM MDT (01:57 UTC) – 1.25-inch hail – radar-detected via dual-polarization NEXRAD
• October 25 · 8:30 PM MDT (02:30 UTC) – 1.00-inch hail – radar-detected via dual-polarization NEXRAD
• October 25 · 8:38 PM MDT (02:38 UTC) – 1.85-inch hail – radar-detected via dual-polarization NEXRAD
• October 25 · 9:11 PM MDT (03:11 UTC) – 1.25-inch hail – radar-detected via dual-polarization NEXRAD
• October 25 · 10:13 PM MDT (04:13 UTC) – 1.00-inch hail – radar-detected via dual-polarization NEXRAD

Radar detections and NWS warnings overlapped geographically across multiple zones in the Picacho metro. The alert pattern shows periods of sustained hail-producing convection with intermittent increases in hail size detected by dual-polarization radar.

Damage Assessment

Radar-derived hail sizes during the event ranged from 1.00 inch up to 2.41 inches. Stones at the lower end of that range commonly cause cosmetic and surface damage. Expect paint chips on vehicles, denting on unprotected metal surfaces, and punctured siding where impact points concentrate.

Stones approaching and exceeding roughly 1.75 inches are large enough to dent panels, crack skylights, and create localized shingle damage. At the largest measured size for this event, roof coverings with existing wear or loose granules are at higher risk for accelerated failure. Glass breakage is possible where roofing penetrations or skylights were directly exposed.

No public spotter reports are included in this summary. Field verification will determine which properties and roof systems actually sustained loss. Insurance adjusters and contractor teams should prioritize physical inspections in areas that were under radar-detected alerts between 7:57 PM and 9:11 PM MDT, when the largest radar-derived stones were indicated.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect roofs first for granule loss, bruising, and broken shingles. Start with a visual ground survey, then use close-up photos from a ladder or drone to document impacts before any temporary repairs. Photograph vehicle panels, gutters, HVAC units, and skylights with dated metadata. Note the local alert times and the radar-detected hail sizes when filing estimates.