San Simon, AZ Hail Storm – October 2026

San Simon, AZ experienced a hail-producing thunderstorm late afternoon on October 29, 2026, with peak stones reaching 1.67 inches in diameter. The storm moved northeast through the local area and concluded the same evening.

What Happened

The cell developed in the late afternoon and produced a single NWS severe thunderstorm warning at 4:40 PM MST on October 29, 2026. The NWS warning cited dual-polarization radar returns indicating hail to 1.22 inches, which prompted the advisory for the San Simon area. Radar-detected hail echoes tracked northeast through the town and into adjacent rural parcels. Post-event radar analysis mapped a concentrated hail swath over and immediately east of San Simon. The system weakened and ended in the early evening.

Damage Assessment

The public alert record for this event did not include spotter-verified structural damage in the immediate NWS message set. Radar-derived hail coverage shows the highest concentration passing directly over the central and eastern parts of the San Simon populated area. Local parcels and vehicles beneath that swath were at elevated risk for denting and exterior surface damage.

For residential roofs in the affected footprint, expect granule loss, bruising to asphalt composition shingles, and localized shingle edge cracking where exposure is prolonged. Vehicles parked outdoors along the radar-tracked path are most likely to show dents and paint scoring. Agricultural equipment and unprotected solar panels located in the same track should be inspected for surface pitting and frame distortion. Document existing conditions with timestamps and GPS coordinates before any remediation.

What Contractors Should Know

Carry roof- and vehicle-specific inspection checklists. Start external assessments at properties plotted within the radar-derived swath and move outward. Photograph every panel and vehicle side with scale and GPS metadata. Note roofing age and material type. For composite shingles, record granule loss patterns and compare to adjacent unaffected roofs. For metal and glass surfaces, document dents and any fractured glazing.

Prioritize safety and permit compliance on every job. Do not walk wet or steep roofs without fall protection. Use roof anchors, harnesses, and ladders set on stable ground. If temporary tarping is required to prevent interior water entry, secure permits where local ordinances require them and label tarps with installation time and contractor contact. Coordinate documented findings with insurers and property owners before performing permanent repairs.

Paid subscribers can view the Strike Map for the radar-confirmed hail swath and damage zone to prioritize inspections and field assignments.