Meridian, MS Hail Storm – July 2026

Meridian, MS experienced a late-afternoon hail-producing thunderstorm on July 5, 2026, with a peak radar-derived hail diameter of 1.36 inches and multiple NWS severe thunderstorm warnings.

What Happened

A multi-zone storm moved across the Meridian metro during the late afternoon. NWS issued three sequential severe thunderstorm warnings for the event:

• July 5 · 3:49 PM CDT – warned for 0.75-inch hail – NWS warning only.
• July 5 · 4:29 PM CDT – warned for 1.00-inch hail – NWS warning only.
• July 5 · 5:23 PM CDT – warned for 0.75-inch hail – NWS warning only.

Radar detections showed concentrated hail cores along the storm’s forward flank. Warnings remained tagged as NWS warning only, indicating the alerts were based on radar signatures and storm motion rather than spotter-submitted damage reports. The storm concluded in the early evening over the eastern portion of the metro.

Damage Assessment

NWS warnings in this event did not include spotter-submitted structural damage within the polygons. Hail stones at or above the severe threshold commonly produce vehicle dents, impact asphalt roofing, and bruise composite shingles when strikes are direct and repeated. Roof granule loss and soft-spotting on asphalt shingle fields are expected where hail density was highest. Skylights, exposed HVAC condensers, and vinyl siding are vulnerable to localized cracking or puncture when hail concentrates along the storm’s path.

Losses vary with exposure and material age. New architectural shingles resist impact better than three-tab shingles. Unprotected vehicle panels and fleet assets parked outdoors are likely to show cosmetic denting under similar hail conditions. No widespread structural collapse or catastrophic glazing failures were reported in the warning sequence for Meridian.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect roofs first for granule loss, bruising, and torn or missing shingle tabs. Start at the highest slopes and work down to eaves. Photograph suspected impact locations with a measurable reference and log GPS coordinates. For asphalt systems, look for soft spots and fractured shingle laminate around hail impact centers. Note whether skylights or mechanical equipment show cracking; these items often require targeted replacement rather than full-system work.

Document vehicle and siding damage with scale photos and client statements before repair. Prioritize temporary weatherproofing only after documenting conditions. For insurance inventories, compile counts by building, not by polygon. Contractors performing emergency tarps should confirm homeowner authorization and record tarp dimensions and attachment points. Consider mobilizing crews for concentrated neighborhoods where rooftop bruising and missing granules suggest accelerated failure risk.