Oak Grove, LA Hail Storm – April 2026

What Happened

Oak Grove, LA saw a concluded severe hail storm on April 4, 2026. The peak hail size reached 1.75 inches, with the storm centered on the Oak Grove metro area in west Louisiana.

The severe thunderstorm warning area included the city during the late afternoon. The key alert came at 3:49 PM CDT, when dual-polarization radar from NEXRAD detected 1.75-inch hail in the storm core. No additional alerts were listed for this event.

The hail threat developed in the afternoon and peaked near the time of the radar detection. The storm moved through the warning area as a single-zone hail event, with the strongest hail signal tied to one alert polygon and one verified hail size.

Damage Assessment

Hail at 1.75 inches is large enough to produce clear property damage across Oak Grove, especially on exposed roofs, soft metal siding, vents, gutters, and exterior trim. Asphalt shingles can show bruising, granule loss, and localized cracking. Metal roofs can take denting that is visible from the ground on flatter sections and light-gauge panels.

Vehicles parked outside during the storm are also exposed. Windshields may avoid breakage at this size, but hoods, mirrors, roof panels, and sunroofs can show impact marks. Screens, awnings, skylights, and HVAC fins are also common inspection points after a hail core of this size.

Tree damage is usually limited to leaf stripping and small branch breakage, though ornamental plants and new growth can take a heavier hit. Fences, pergolas, and patio covers should be checked along the path of the hail core, especially on the side of the property facing the storm.

In a single-zone event like this, the heaviest impacts often fall in a narrow band inside the warning area. Properties outside that band may see lighter hail or no measurable damage at all.

What Contractors Should Know

Field crews should treat Oak Grove as a targeted hail inspection job, not a broad wind event. Focus first on roof slopes, ridge caps, pipe boots, flashing, skylights, and any penetrations that can show impact marks without obvious leaks. Asphalt shingle roofs deserve close granule and mat inspection, especially on older systems and south-facing exposures.

Exterior metal surfaces may show the clearest damage signature. Check gutters, downspouts, garage doors, window wraps, AC condenser fins, fence rails, and vehicle panels. If the structure has soft metals or thin gauge accessories, minor-looking dents can still help map the hail path through the neighborhood.

Document the storm window against the local time stamp of 3:49 PM CDT. That helps align roof checks, driveway vehicle reviews, and homeowner observations with the radar-detected hail core. Keep notes by address and exposure side so repair estimates stay tied to the actual storm path.