Walnut Ridge, AR Hail Storm – September 2026

Walnut Ridge, AR experienced late-evening hail on September 21, 2026, peaking at 1.63 inches during a multi-alert severe thunderstorm. The event concluded the same night.

What Happened

The storm moved through the Walnut Ridge warning area on the evening of September 21. The National Weather Service issued three separate alerts tied to the event. At 9:50 PM CDT the first NWS warning-only alert reported 0.88-inch hail within the warning area. At 10:20 PM CDT dual-polarization radar detected a 1.62-inch hail signature along a focused hail track through the metro region. A third NWS warning-only alert followed at 10:27 PM CDT reporting 1.00-inch hail.

The event is classified as a multi-zone aggregate storm, with the warning area covering multiple address zones in and around Walnut Ridge. Radar detection provided the strongest source of hail size evidence for portions of the track. Local NWS warnings documented additional hazard reports tied to the broader warning polygon. The storm concluded overnight with no further alerts issued.

Damage Assessment

Alert reports and radar detections indicate hail sizes in the Walnut Ridge warning area spanning roughly 0.88 to 1.62 inches along the main track. Hail in that range commonly produces denting to vehicle body panels and damage to asphalt roof shingles where impacts were concentrated. Skylights, soft metal fixtures, and unsupported vinyl trim are vulnerable in locations that experienced the stronger radar-detected returns.

For properties directly along the radar-identified hail track in Walnut Ridge, expect localized asphalt shingle granule loss and bruising to painted surfaces. Siding and window screens may show cosmetic impact marks at the smaller end of the reported range. Visible broken glass or large punctures were not indicated in the available alerts; field inspections should nonetheless verify glazing integrity at affected addresses.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect roofs for shingle granule loss, fractured tabs, and split or bruised shingles. Photograph roof areas with a scale reference and note exact addresses inside the NWS warning area. Prioritize tarping only when active leaks are present; document water intrusion points and provide date- and time-stamped images. For vehicles, record dent locations and panel types, and collect on-site photographs before any cleaning or repairs.

Estimate repair scope using local material matching where possible. Asphalt shingle replacement is the most likely residential action along the radar-identified track. For commercial metal roofs and signage, check for concentrated dent clusters consistent with the radar-detected hail swath. Provide clients a concise repair vs. replacement cost comparison and include an itemized list of visible damage with photographic support.

Paid subscribers can view the Strike Map to see the radar-confirmed hail swath and the damage zone for this event.