Troy, SC Hail Storm – May 2026

Troy, SC experienced a hail-producing storm on May 22, 2026, with dual-polarization radar detecting 1.28-inch hail during a late-afternoon to early-evening event. The storm produced a sequence of six NWS alerts across the metro before concluding.

What Happened

The event ran from late afternoon into early evening on May 22, 2026. NWS issued six alerts covering overlapping portions of the Troy metro. Key alert timeline:

• May 22 · 4:31 PM EDT – 1.00-inch hail – NWS warning only.
• May 22 · 4:36 PM EDT – 1.28-inch hail – dual-polarization radar detection.
• May 22 · 5:15 PM EDT – 1.00-inch hail – NWS warning only.
• May 22 · 5:19 PM EDT – 0.75-inch hail – NWS warning only.
• May 22 · 6:48 PM EDT – 0.88-inch hail – NWS warning only.
• May 22 · 6:50 PM EDT – 1.00-inch hail – NWS warning only.

The 4:36 PM EDT alert carried radar-detected hail size based on dual-polarization returns. The other alerts were issued as NWS warning-only reports, indicating the presence of severe-hail warnings without additional radar-derived size verification in those messages. The storm is concluded.

Damage Assessment

Alerts reported hail sizes across a narrow range, with radar detection showing the peak measurement at 1.28 inches and other warnings reporting sizes between 0.75 and 1.00 inch. NWS alert text did not include spotter-verified damage reports tied to specific addresses in the warning area.

Hail in the 0.75–1.28-inch range can produce vehicle dents, damage vinyl siding, and bruise or dislodge asphalt shingles on older roofs. Glass damage is less common at 1.28 inches but possible where hail was concentrated or where glazing was already compromised. Contractors should expect localized impacts rather than wholesale structural failures for most residential properties in Troy, given the size range reported.

If owners report impact evidence, document the time and location and capture high-resolution photographs of vehicle panels, roofing, gutters, and exterior fixtures. Note the alert times above when filing claims or compiling repair estimates.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect vehicles, roofing, and exterior systems in the warning area first. Use the alert timeline and radar-detected size at 4:36 PM EDT to correlate observed damage with storm timing. Start with visible soft-roofing loss, dented HVAC coils, and cracked skylights. Photograph all damage with a scale reference and multiple angles. Mark the photo filenames with the inspection date and time. Temporary tarping can limit water intrusion on compromised roofs but document tarps and receipts for clients.

Prepare scope-of-work estimates that separate cosmetic metal damage from functional roofing failures. For hail in this size range, common tasks include shingle replacement, localized decking repair, dent removal or panel replacement on vehicles, and replacement of exposed HVAC components. Provide clients with clear timelines, itemized photos, and carrier-facing documentation tied to the alert times.