NWS SVW: Quarter-size hail confirmed Richland County WI, storm moving SE

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 26, 2026, a severe thunderstorm swept through Richland County, Wisconsin, bringing quarter-size hail and dangerous wind gusts to communities including Muscoda, Richland Center, Eagle Cave, and Basswood. The National Weather Service office in La Crosse issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning at 2:13 AM Central Daylight Time — valid through 2:30 AM CDT — as forecasters tracked the storm moving southeast at 25 miles per hour.

For residents waking up this morning across Richland County, the storm’s brief window may not tell the full story of what it left behind. Hailstones measuring 1.00 inch in diameter — roughly the size of a quarter — carry enough force to damage roofing materials, dent gutters and downspouts, crack or chip siding panels, and bruise window frames and screens. Paired with wind gusts reported up to 50 mph, properties in and around the affected communities deserve a careful daylight inspection before the next rainfall arrives.

What the National Weather Service Confirmed

According to NWS La Crosse (issuing office KARX, product SVSARX), a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for Richland County, Wisconsin at 2:13 AM CDT on August 26, 2026, with the warning in effect until 2:30 AM CDT.

At the time of issuance, NWS La Crosse reported the following confirmed details:

• Storm location: Near Muscoda, approximately 8 miles southwest of Richland Center
• Storm movement: Southeast at 25 mph
• Hail size: Quarter-size, 1.00 inch diameter (radar-indicated)
• Wind gusts: Up to 50 mph
• Locations specifically identified by NWS: Eagle Cave and Basswood, Richland County, Wisconsin

The hail was reported as radar-indicated, meaning it was detected via Doppler radar analysis at the time of issuance. Radar-indicated reports are the National Weather Service’s standard method for rapidly communicating hail threats during active severe weather and carry the same warning authority as ground-confirmed spotter reports. The storm met the NWS threshold for a severe thunderstorm designation based on both hail size (≥1.00 inch) and wind speed (≥50 mph).

Homeowners and property owners in Muscoda, Richland Center, Eagle Cave, Basswood, and surrounding Richland County communities should treat this warning as confirmation that a severe weather event moved through their area overnight and take appropriate follow-up steps during daylight hours.

What Homeowners in Muscoda, Richland Center, Eagle Cave, and Basswood Should Check Now

Once conditions are safe — wait for full daylight and confirm no active weather remains in the area — a systematic walk-around inspection can help you identify damage before it becomes a costlier problem. Quarter-size hail is at the size threshold where meaningful structural damage to exterior surfaces becomes likely. Here is what to look for, area by area:

Roof (Start from the Ground)

• Look for missing, lifted, or visibly displaced shingles along the ridgeline and field areas — use binoculars if you have them
• Check gutters and downspout outlets for granule accumulation; asphalt shingles shed granules when struck by hail, and granule buildup below downspouts is a reliable early indicator of roof impact
• Look for dark circular bruising or soft spots on shingles (these require a closer professional inspection to confirm, but can sometimes be spotted from a ladder at the eaves)
• Inspect metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, pipe boots, and roof-to-wall transitions for denting or displacement

Gutters and Downspouts

• Gutters and downspouts are among the clearest visual indicators of hail — look for circular dents, dings, or deformation along the face of the gutter
• Check gutter hangers and brackets for bending or separation caused by wind loading
• Look for granule-laden debris in the gutter troughs, which signals shingle impact above

Siding

• Walk the full perimeter of the home and look for small circular cracks or dents in vinyl or aluminum siding panels, particularly on south- and west-facing walls that bear the brunt of southeast-moving storms
• Wood siding may show fresh splits, splintering, or paint chipping at impact points
• Inspect fascia boards, soffit panels, and window trim for denting or cracking
• Window screens frequently show visible impact dimpling and are a useful quick indicator of hail activity

Windows and Exterior Doors

• Check all exterior window frames and door frames for denting, cracking, or paint loss
• Look for cracked, chipped, or starred glass on windows and storm doors
• Check door thresholds and entry areas for water pooling or signs of wind-driven rain intrusion

Outdoor Equipment, Trees, and HVAC

• Inspect outdoor HVAC condenser units and any generator or equipment covers for hail denting — bent condenser fins can reduce cooling efficiency and may warrant an HVAC service call
• Look for broken limbs or large branch debris that may have contacted the roof or siding during the storm; even contact without visible penetration can crack shingles or shift flashing
• Check painted wood surfaces such as decks, fences, and outbuildings for fresh chipping that signals impact

Water Intrusion — Check Inside Too

Inside the home, walk through the attic space if accessible and check for daylight penetration, moisture, or wet insulation — particularly around roof penetrations, skylights, and valleys. On upper-floor ceilings, look for water stains, bubbling paint, or soft drywall. Even small hail-related breaches can allow water infiltration over time, and catching it early protects your home’s structural framing, insulation, and interior finishes.

If You Find Damage

If your inspection reveals potential hail or wind damage — or if you simply aren’t sure what you’re looking at — the following steps will protect both your property and your position with your insurance carrier:

Document Before You Touch Anything

Use your smartphone to photograph and video every area of concern. Take wide-angle shots that show context (which section of roof, which wall, which gutter run) and close-up shots of individual impact marks. Include a coin, tape measure, or pen for scale where possible. Most camera apps automatically embed date and time metadata into images, which can be valuable for your claim.

Notify Your Homeowner’s Insurance Carrier Promptly

Report the damage to your insurer as soon as reasonably practical. Most homeowner’s policies include time requirements for storm-related claims. When you call, reference the NWS Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued at 2:13 AM CDT on August 26, 2026, for Richland County, Wisconsin — having a confirmed NWS event on record strengthens your claim’s documentation from the start. For general guidance on preparing for weather events and recovery steps, ready.gov and weather.gov are reliable federal resources.

Work with a Licensed Restoration Contractor

A qualified contractor provides a detailed written inspection and estimate that insurance adjusters rely on when evaluating covered repairs. Allied Emergency Services has been working storm damage cases across Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and the broader Midwest for 27 years. We are an Illinois-licensed roofing and restoration contractor. Our team inspects your property thoroughly, documents the findings, provides a detailed repair estimate, and can meet with your insurance adjuster on-site. We perform the covered repairs — documenting and estimating damage is part of our work, but adjusting, negotiating, or settling your insurance claim is the role of your insurance company and, where applicable, a licensed public adjuster.

Hold Off on Permanent Repairs Until the Adjuster Has Inspected

If you have an active leak, temporary protective measures — such as tarping — are appropriate and generally covered as a mitigation step. However, avoid permanent repairs until your adjuster has had a chance to inspect the damage. Premature repairs can complicate your claim. A licensed restoration contractor can handle emergency tarping and board-up as a documented interim measure if needed. Learn more about what the storm damage restoration process looks like at Allied’s storm damage restoration page.

Contact Allied Emergency Services — We’re Ready Now

If you’re in Muscoda, Richland Center, Eagle Cave, Basswood, or anywhere else in Richland County and believe last night’s storm may have affected your property, Allied Emergency Services is available around the clock.

Call 24/7: (800) 792-0212
Text ESTIMATE to: (844) 907-2546

Our inspections are thorough, documented, and pressure-free. We’ve been doing this work for 27 years, and we know Midwest storm damage. Whether it’s a quick check to give you peace of mind or a full damage assessment for an active insurance claim, we’re here to help Richland County homeowners navigate the next steps with confidence.

This article is provided as general information only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. For guidance specific to your policy and claim, consult your insurance carrier or a licensed public adjuster.