Waldron, AR Hail Storm – August 2026

A hail-producing storm is tracking through Waldron, AR on August 7, 2026, producing up to 2.16-inch hail and continuing to return strong dual-polarization radar echoes.

What Happened

The storm formed in the late afternoon and is active in the early evening. NWS alerts and radar returns indicate multiple hail signatures moving northeast across the Waldron metro area. The alert sequence is as follows:

• August 7 · 5:21 PM CDT – 1.62-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD) hail detection.
• August 7 · 5:51 PM CDT – 1.83-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD) hail detection.
• August 7 · 6:02 PM CDT – 1.00-inch hail reported via NWS warning only.
• August 7 · 6:17 PM CDT – 1.00-inch hail reported via NWS warning only.
• August 7 · 6:27 PM CDT – 1.82-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD) hail detection.
• August 7 · 6:48 PM CDT – 1.28-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD) hail detection.
• August 7 · 7:58 PM CDT – 1.78-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD) hail detection.

Radar-detected hail was reported repeatedly between mid-afternoon and early evening. Two of the alerts were issued as NWS warnings without radar hail detections listed in the alert payload. The storm is active and may continue to produce hail and strong winds as it moves through the area.

Damage Assessment

Alerts indicate a mix of hail sizes ranging from roughly 1.0 inch to about 2 inches. Hail in the 1.0-inch range commonly damages soft materials such as plants, screen windows, and some vinyl siding. Hail approaching 2 inches in diameter can damage asphalt shingles, dent metal panels, and leave visible dents on vehicle bodywork and glass chips on windshields.

Most residential roofing and vehicle surfaces in the immediate storm track should be inspected for bruising, punctures, and cracked glass once the weather permits. Localized heavier impacts are likely along the radar hail swaths where multiple dual-polarization detections clustered in time and space.

What Contractors Should Know

Safety is the first priority. Work crews should delay exterior inspections or recoveries until the storm has fully passed and local authorities lift any advisories. Expect scattered debris on driveways and yards in the storm corridor. Bring PPE for glass cleanup and equipment rated for roof work after wet conditions.

For initial triage, prioritize audible roof leaks, shattered glazing, and vehicles with visible dents or caved panels. Photograph damage with scale references and geotag images when possible. Schedule detailed roof inspections after a short drying window to allow safe foot traffic and better assessment of shingle granule loss.