Tularosa, NM Hail Storm – August 2026

Tularosa, New Mexico is experiencing a hail-producing thunderstorm on August 7, 2026. Peak observations register 2.33 inches as the storm continues tracking through the metro area.

What Happened

A multicell thunderstorm developed over the Tularosa basin in the late afternoon and is continuing to produce hail into the early evening. The National Weather Service issued four hail alerts for the event between 4:23 PM MDT and 6:28 PM MDT, each based on dual-polarization radar detections. The alert sequence and radar-derived sizes were:

• 4:23 PM MDT (22:23 UTC) — 1.34 inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.
• 4:47 PM MDT (22:47 UTC) — 1.32 inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.
• 5:41 PM MDT (23:41 UTC) — 1.57 inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.
• 6:28 PM MDT (00:28 UTC) — 1.41 inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.

Radar returns and ongoing spotter reports indicate the core is tracking northeast through the town and nearby open areas. Conditions remain active and may produce additional hail pulses as the cell complex moves across local roadways and residential neighborhoods.

Damage Assessment

Radar-detected hail between roughly 1.3 and 1.6 inches moved through central Tularosa in the late afternoon and early evening. Stones in this size range commonly produce visible roofing damage on older asphalt-shingled residences, including granule loss and fractured tabs. Dented vehicle panels and broken side mirrors are likely where vehicles were exposed downtown or along US-70.

Properties with rooftop solar arrays in the storm path face elevated risk of microcracks or broken glass on individual modules. Commercial metal roofing and HVAC units can show denting concentrated along the radar-derived track. Local reports of larger stones will increase the probability of shingle replacement versus spot repairs for affected homes.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize safety and documentation. Conduct exterior inspections first and avoid walking steep roofs until hail size and wind conditions are assessed. Take geotagged photographs with a scale object for each impact area. Log the inspection time in local time format and note the construction type and age of roofing material.

Triage repairs by roof condition and exposure. Expect to find granule loss, fractured shingle tabs, dented metal, and potential solar cell damage on panels within the radar-detected track. Prepare scope options for spot repairs and full overlay or replacement where shingles show multiple fractures. Coordinate with property owners on temporary tarping and debris removal before full repairs.

See the Strike Map for precise hail track data.