Jesup, GA Hail Storm – May 2026

Jesup, GA — May 23, 2026. A late-afternoon to early-evening thunderstorm produced hail up to 1.28 in across the Jesup metro area and prompted two NWS severe thunderstorm warnings.

What Happened

The main hail event occurred in the late afternoon and into the early evening on May 23, 2026. The National Weather Service issued two warning-area alerts for hail associated with this storm. The first warning was issued at 5:07 PM EDT with a 0.75 in hail advisory for the NWS warning area. The second warning was issued at 6:49 PM EDT and also specified 0.75 in hail for its NWS warning area. The episode is concluded.

Radar returns and post-event reporting indicate a hail footprint across metro Jesup. Maximum hail observed reached 1.28 in within the aggregated multi-zone report. Both NWS alerts are listed as NWS warning only in their metadata rather than spotter-verified in the field.

Damage Assessment

Hail measured between 0.75 in and 1.28 in across the Jesup area increases the likelihood of cosmetic and functional damage to exposed building materials and vehicles. On residential roofs, impacts in this size range commonly cause bruising and granular loss on asphalt shingles, and may crack or puncture older or brittle roofing materials. Parked vehicles in driveways and lots in central Jesup are at elevated risk for panel dents and chipped paint.

Ground-level soft materials such as vinyl siding, skylights, and solar panels in the storm path can sustain scuffs, cracks, or shattered glazing where hail concentrated. Landscape damage is typically limited to shredded leaves and broken plant material rather than structural tree failure for this size range. Any observed damage should be documented with dated photographs and location notes tied to the Jesup municipal boundaries or property address.

What Contractors Should Know

Begin external assessments at the property perimeter and move inward, photographing each exposure with a clear size reference. Capture roof edges, high-wear roof planes, skylights, guttering, and visible mechanical equipment. For vehicles, photograph all panels, windshields, and trim from multiple angles. Use the NWS warning areas issued at 5:07 PM EDT and 6:49 PM EDT as an initial tasking boundary for inspections, then refine work areas based on visible damage density.

Estimate repair priorities by signing, photographing, and logging the most time-sensitive items first: punctured glazing, compromised roof penetrations, and safety hazards. Document pre-repair conditions with scale and timestamp. Coordinate with adjusters and property owners using the mapped event times and observed hail sizes to support scope decisions. Consult the paid Strike Map for the precise hail track and damage zone data.