Cleveland, OH Hail Storm – March 2026

Cleveland, OH was under a multi-zone severe hail threat on March 26, 2026, with NWS warning areas reaching 2 inches at peak intensity during the evening. The storm sequence unfolded from 5:20 PM EDT through 7:57 PM EDT.

What Happened

Nine NWS hail alerts covered the Cleveland metro on March 26, 2026. The first warning area called for 1.5-inch hail at 5:20 PM EDT. Two more alerts followed at 5:32 PM and 5:42 PM EDT with 1-inch hail. Another 1-inch hail warning area came at 6:20 PM EDT.

The storm renewed in the early evening. NWS alerts at 7:06 PM and 7:14 PM EDT carried 1-inch and 1.25-inch hail thresholds. The peak warning came at 7:26 PM EDT with 2-inch hail. Two later alerts at 7:53 PM and 7:57 PM EDT kept the threat in place with 1-inch and 1.25-inch hail.

All nine alerts were NWS warning only. No radar or spotter confirmation was included in the event data. The storm is concluded.

Damage Assessment

A 1-inch hail warning area can support denting on vehicles, siding impact marks, and roof granule loss on more exposed surfaces. The 1.25-inch and 1.5-inch alerts raise the risk of broken skylights, cracked soft metals, and more noticeable exterior impact on north- and west-facing sides.

The 2-inch peak warning is the most significant threshold in this event. Hail of that size can break more fragile roofing materials, damage vents and flashing, and leave visible pitting on metal surfaces, trim, and outdoor equipment. In a metro setting like Cleveland, that size also increases the chance of mixed reports across neighborhoods because storm intensity can shift quickly within a warning area.

The alert sequence suggests a storm that stayed organized for several hours rather than a single short-lived burst. For property owners, that means damage checks should focus on vehicles parked outdoors, roof edges, gutters, downspouts, windows, and HVAC units. Interior leaks may not appear right away.

What Contractors Should Know

Contractors should treat this event as a late-day hail sequence with multiple warning areas and a peak size of 2 inches. Start with the most exposed assets first. Roof slopes facing the storm path, soft metal components, skylights, and screened enclosures should move to the front of the inspection list.

Document conditions by address and by elevation. In hail events with repeated alerts, damage can vary block to block. Photos of impact marks on gutters, condenser fins, window screens, and roof accessories help separate storm-related wear from prior issues. Crews should also watch for secondary water intrusion after the initial hail pass.

Exterior inspections in Cleveland should cover both residential and light commercial properties. Flat and low-slope roofs may show membrane bruising, punctures around seams, and clogged drains from debris. Steeper roofs may show localized shingle loss near ridges, valleys, and edges. Vehicles, patio covers, and warehouse skylights often reveal the first visible impact.

Cleveland, OH Hail Storm – March 2026

NWS WARNING AREAS · 68

What Happened

Damage Assessment

What Contractors Should Know

Storm Details

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