Aiken, SC Hail Storm – June 2026

Aiken, South Carolina recorded hail up to 0.5 inch on June 22, 2026. The early-evening convective pulse prompted a National Weather Service warning at 8:38 PM EDT (00:38 UTC).

What Happened

A short-lived thunderstorm moved across metro Aiken in the early evening on June 22. The NWS issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 8:38 PM EDT that cited hail up to 0.75 inch in the warning text and carried NWS warning only confidence. Radar-detected reflectivity showed compact core returns moving northeast through the Aiken urban area. Ground and field reports verified smaller hail reaching 0.5 inch in select locations across the city. The event concluded within an hour of the warning.

Damage Assessment

Hail in the half-inch range typically causes light cosmetic damage. Expect mark or dent patterns on vehicle paint and small bruises to asphalt shingles and soft metal. Flat skylights, rubber roof membranes, and exterior soft vinyl trim can show scuffs or minor pitting but are rarely perforated at this size. Landscaping impacts will be limited to leaf shredding and bruised fruit or tender plants. Localized concentrations of hail under the storm core may show slightly higher accumulation but not larger modal sizes.

Field observations from Aiken indicate isolated surface scuffs on parked vehicles and granular loss on older shingles in neighborhoods beneath the stronger reflectivity cores. No widespread structural failures were reported in the immediate aftermath.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect roofs for granule loss, cracked or bruised shingles, and loose flashing. Use scaled photographs and note exact addresses and timestamps. Check attic ceilings for new daylight penetration or fresh debris that would indicate through-penetration. Prioritize properties with preexisting roof wear, brittle shingles, or aged membranes for closer evaluation.

Assess vehicles and exterior soft materials for cosmetic dents and scuffs. Document HVAC fins and exposed metal for pitting. Temporary measures such as tarping or targeted flashing repairs may be appropriate within 24 to 72 hours to prevent water intrusion while permanent repairs are scheduled. Provide line-item estimates that separate cosmetic repair from functional replacement and include material lead times.

Refer to the Strike Map for the precise hail track and the paid damage zone for this event.