Piñon, NM Hail Storm – October 2026

Piñon, NM experienced a multi-zone hail event on Oct 28, 2026, with a peak reported hail size of 2.04 inches. The storm ran from late afternoon into early evening and produced repeated radar hail detections and an NWS warning segment.

What Happened

The storm developed over the Piñon metro area in the late afternoon and progressed eastward into the early evening. Dual-polarization NEXRAD detected hail at 3:49 PM MDT (1.12 inch), marking the first radar alert tied to this event. Subsequent radar-derived detections and NWS alerts tracked the storm through a series of impacts: 4:30 PM MDT (1.00 inch), 4:59 PM MDT (1.30 inch), 5:30 PM MDT (1.55 inch), 5:32 PM MDT (1.30 inch), 5:34 PM MDT (1.00 inch), 6:58 PM MDT (1.21 inch), and 7:09 PM MDT (1.00 inch). A separate NWS warning-only alert was issued at 6:14 PM MDT for a segment where radar coverage indicated potential hail but no radar-derived hail signature met the dual-polarization detection thresholds.

Radar detections were consistent across multiple scan cycles. Alerts show repeated hail signatures concentrated along a late-afternoon to early-evening track through central Piñon and adjacent sections of the warning area. Field reports and follow-up assessments established the peak hail size reported for the event at 2.04 inches.

Damage Assessment

Most radar alerts for this event detected hail in the 1.0 to 1.55 inch range across the primary track. Hail at 1.0 inch commonly causes shingle granule loss and surface dents to metal and aluminum. Alerts registering 1.3 to 1.55 inch hail increase the likelihood of cracked roof shingles, broken skylight glazing, and deeper dents in vehicle body panels.

The 2.04-inch peak indicates a higher risk for severe panel damage to vehicles and localized significant roofing damage where the larger stones fell. Expect concentrated damage along the sections of town that experienced the repeated, higher‑intensity radar detections in the late afternoon window. Public reports and insurance claims should be compared to the mapped alert sequence to identify likely damage corridors.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect roofs, siding, and vehicles in the radar‑detected track first. Prioritize properties with thin-profile shingles, exposed HVAC units, and glass features. Document all findings with time-stamped photos from multiple angles and note locations relative to the NWS warning area and the observed hail track. Check for secondary water entry and interior staining that can appear hours to days after impact.

Apply temporary protections only where safe and permitted. Use industry-standard fall protection on sloped roofs and confirm permits when removing or replacing roofing. Coordinate with property owners on insurance documentation and provide an itemized estimate that references observed hail sizes and the storm timing. Maintain a clear chain of custody for debris and samples if required by insurers.