St. Petersburg, FL Hail Storm – May 2026

St. Petersburg, FL experienced a hail-producing thunderstorm in the mid-afternoon of May 2, 2026. The storm produced a peak hail size of 1.06 inches and moved across the central metro before weakening.

What Happened

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service at 3:03 PM EDT for hail up to 0.75 inch within the warning area. Dual-polarization radar detected elevated reflectivity cores and hail signatures as the cell tracked east-northeast across the St. Petersburg metro. The local warning covered a single zone and the event is concluded.

Radar-derived hail detections identified concentrated return maxima along the storm’s forward flank. NWS guidance for the warning was limited to the warning polygon rather than spotter-verified ground reports. Observations and analysis used the NWS warning area and radar indicators to map the likely hail track through central St. Petersburg.

Damage Assessment

Hail of this size commonly causes automotive dents, bruising to asphalt shingles, and loss of shingle granules when striking exposed roofs. For properties inside the St. Petersburg warning area, expect potential cosmetic damage to vehicles parked outdoors and accelerated wear on roof coverings.

Inspect rooftop flashings, gutters, and exposed trim for impact marks and granule accumulation in downspouts. Skylights, solar panels, and vinyl siding can show impact pitting or cracking when struck at the convective core velocities observed on radar. Prioritize photographic documentation of visible impacts at specific addresses within the warning area for claims and repairs.

What Contractors Should Know

Conduct an initial safety assessment before any roof access. Photograph the general roof field, hip and ridge lines, and eave areas. Use a calibrated ruler or coin in photos to document hail diameter when samples remain. Note granule loss, bruised or fractured shingles, and localized soft spots. Record the presence and orientation of hail-related dents on metal components and vehicles in the affected zone.

For temporary work, secure tarps only where active leaks are present and follow local permit requirements. Estimate replacement needs by square and record manufacturer and color matches for shingle orders. Prioritize inspections for properties with low-slope or mechanically attached roofing and for attachments such as solar arrays and skylights. Coordinate timelines with property owners and insurers, and retain radar-derived impact imagery tied to the NWS warning area for each inspection record.

Access the Strike Map for the precise hail track and radar-derived impact points for this May 2 St. Petersburg event.