Cedar City, UT Hail Storm – July 2026

Cedar City, UT recorded a concluded hail event on July 12, 2026, producing up to 0.92 inches of hail and prompting three NWS severe thunderstorm warnings.

What Happened

Storms moved through the Cedar City metro area during the early evening. The National Weather Service issued three separate warnings tied to the same convective complex:

• July 12 · 7:35 PM MDT (01:35 UTC) — warnings cited 0.75-inch hail and were noted as NWS warning only.
• July 12 · 8:47 PM MDT (02:47 UTC) — warnings cited 0.75-inch hail and were noted as NWS warning only.
• July 12 · 9:18 PM MDT (03:18 UTC) — warnings cited 0.75-inch hail and were noted as NWS warning only.

Dual-polarization radar detected hail signatures along the warning track. The alert records show the warnings were issued without accompanying on-scene spotter verification in the alert text. The event concluded within a three-hour window of activity across the Cedar City metro.

Damage Assessment

Hail reached sizes near 1 inch, which commonly produces cosmetic damage to vehicle paint and minor denting on softer sheet metals. Asphalt shingle roofs may show bruising and accelerated granule loss where impacts were concentrated. Young trees and tender garden vegetation in exposed yards are susceptible to defoliation and leaf shredding at these sizes.

Inspectors in residential neighborhoods should expect localized clusters of impacts rather than uniform coverage across the entire metro area. Reported roof issues are more likely to appear as shingle granule loss and surface abrasion than immediate structural failure. Vehicle fleets parked outdoors during the early evening window are the most frequently affected asset class for this size of hail.

What Contractors Should Know

Perform a targeted exterior inspection focusing on vehicles, roof coverings, and solar installations. On roofs, photograph areas of granule loss, split tabs, and any displaced shingles. Use a consistent photo log tied to address, compass heading, and a timestamp. For vehicles, document paint scuffs and dents with a ruler or scale in frame. If solar panels are present, inspect for cracked glass and micro-fractures at module edges; note panel serial numbers and array orientation.

Prioritize safety and documentation. Secure temporary covers only where warranted and permitted. Obtain homeowner or fleet owner permission before any mitigation work. For insurance scope, provide clear before-and-after imagery and include timestamps. Coordinate follow-up inspections within 48 to 72 hours to capture progressive granule loss or newly evident leaks.

For a precise, radar-derived view of where hail struck within the Cedar City metro, consult the paid Strike Map to review the detailed hail track and damage zone.