Humboldt, AZ Hail Storm – September 2026

A late-afternoon hail event struck Humboldt, AZ on September 12, 2026, producing a peak hail size of 0.96 inch. The report is a multi-zone aggregate covering two NWS warning areas in the Humboldt metro.

What Happened

The event moved through Humboldt in the late afternoon. Dual-polarization radar detected 1.00-inch hail at 3:58 PM MST. The National Weather Service issued a warning-area alert at 4:15 PM MST reporting 0.75-inch hail. The sequence is reflected in two separate NWS alert areas used in this aggregate report. Radar-detected hail provided the larger size estimate; the later alert was issued as a warning-area report without additional radar size escalation.

The storm had a brief, focused hail core. Coverage was localized rather than widespread. Timing and alert boundaries indicate two distinct warning-area footprints within the Humboldt metro where hail signatures were tracked by radar and reported by the NWS.

Damage Assessment

Observed hail sizes for this event fell between 0.75 and 1.00 inch. The NWS object equivalents are penny = 0.75 inch and quarter = 1.00 inch. Hail in this size range most commonly produces cosmetic vehicle dents, pitting on exposed HVAC units and outdoor equipment, and granular loss on older asphalt shingles. Skylights and thin polycarbonate panels are at elevated risk for cracking when exposed and unshielded.

Direct structural failures are less likely at these sizes on modern installations. However, older roofing materials with pre-existing weathering may show accelerated granule loss and localized shingle damage. Property owners in the tracked warning areas should expect isolated, patchy impacts consistent with localized radar hail cores rather than broad, uniform damage across the entire metro.

What Contractors Should Know

Perform targeted inspections in the two NWS warning areas identified for Humboldt. Prioritize vehicles stored outdoors, exposed rooftop equipment, and single-layer older asphalt roofing. Document conditions with dated photos and GPS coordinates. Note material age and pre-existing damage when preparing estimates. Use short inspection windows after storms to avoid working inside active warning areas.

For temporary repairs, secure loose coverings and protect open penetrations to prevent water intrusion if shingles are compromised. Tarp only when it can be done safely and in accordance with insurance guidance. Provide line-item estimates for cosmetic dent repair, shingle replacement, and granular loss mitigation. Coordinate timing with insurers and property owners before scheduling large-scale roof replacement.

Refer to the Strike Map for the paid product view of the radar-confirmed hail swath and associated damage zone.