Albert Lea area hail storm — Tuesday, May 26, 2026
NOAA radar estimated hail up to 2" over parts of Minnesota on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The shaded areas below show where the radar signature reached 1 inch or larger — the size where roof and siding damage becomes likely.
Source: NOAA MRMS MESH (maximum estimated size of hail), 24-hour maximum. Amber ≥ 1", orange ≥ 1.5", red ≥ 2". Radar estimates hail aloft — it does not confirm what reached the ground at any specific address.
Communities in or near the swath
1. Document now
Photograph gutters, downspouts, screens, AC fins, and anything else dented — from the ground, with today's date. Ground-level collateral damage is your best early evidence.
The first 72 hours →2. Know your deadline
Your policy's "Suit Against Us" clause controls how long you have. Many Minnesota policies shorten hail suits to one year from the date of loss.
Start the clock →3. Vet the door-knockers
Crews will canvass this swath within days. Check the license, never sign day-one, and know that waiving your deductible is illegal in Minnesota.
Storm chaser red flags →