Mount Horeb, WI Hail Storm – May 2026

A multi-zone thunderstorm produced hail in Mount Horeb, WI on May 17, 2026, reaching up to 1 inch in diameter. The event ran from mid-morning into early evening and concluded the same day.

What Happened

The storm generated 11 separate NWS alerts across the Mount Horeb metro on May 17, starting mid-morning and continuing into the early evening. The first alert was issued at 10:35 AM CDT and the final alert at 6:11 PM CDT. Three warnings during the late morning reported 1-inch hail in their text. Multiple additional alerts reported 0.75-inch hail through the afternoon and late afternoon.

Most alerts were based on NWS warning products without accompanying ground reports. One alert at 1:58 PM CDT included a dual-polarization radar hail detection of 0.75 inch, indicating radar-derived evidence of hail at that time. The sequence shows repeated warning-area coverage rather than a single continuous radar-confirmed hail swath across every location within the NWS warning area.

The storm is concluded. No further alerts are active for this event in the Mount Horeb metro.

Damage Assessment

Reported hail sizes ranged from roughly 0.75 inch to 1 inch within the warning area around Mount Horeb. Hail in that size range commonly produces cosmetic damage to unprotected vehicle surfaces and can cause localized impact marks to vinyl siding, gutters, and exposed outdoor equipment. Asphalt shingles can show localized bruising or granular loss where impacts clustered.

Because most hail reports were NWS warning only, ground-truthing was limited. Inspect properties in the NWS warning area for clustered denting on vehicles, pitting on air-conditioner fins and HVAC covers, displaced roof granules, and small punctures or dents in siding. Photographs with a dated reference and notes on exact locations will document observed patterns and support any follow-up claims or repairs.

What Contractors Should Know

Perform a methodical exterior survey first. Photograph the perimeter elevations, vehicle panels, HVAC units, gutters, and exposed roofing from ground level before accessing roofs. On asphalt roofs look for scattered granule loss, shingle bruising, and cap shingle splits. Use a close-up camera with scale (coin or ruler) to document hail imprint size. Prioritize safety — treat wet, granule-coated roofs as slippery and use fall protection when ascending.

For initial repairs, address tarping or temporary sealing only where active leaks are present. Catalogue and map each repair location to the nearest street address and note whether damage lies inside the NWS warning area. Provide clients with clear, dated documentation of observed hail sizes and impact patterns. For precise hail-track locations and to narrow inspection zones, refer to the Strike Map for the event, which maps radar-derived hail points and the paid damage zone product.