Olustee, OK Hail Storm – July 2026

Olustee, Oklahoma experienced a multi-zone hail event on July 31, 2026, with peak stones reaching 2.13 inches in diameter. The storm produced repeated NWS warnings and several radar-detected hail cores during the late afternoon and early evening.

What Happened

A sequence of 12 NWS alerts tracked the storm across the Olustee area between 4:06 PM CDT and 7:04 PM CDT. Early and late warnings reported mostly 0.75 inch hail. Dual-polarization radar detected larger hail cores in the late afternoon. At 4:42 PM CDT the radar returned a 1.74 inch hail detection over western Olustee. At 4:44 PM CDT a second radar-detected core measured 1.79 inches as it moved east. Subsequent warnings between 5:14 PM and 7:04 PM CDT again reported 0.75 to 1.0 inch hail in wider sectors of the NWS warning area.

The storm concluded in the early evening. Alerts labeled NWS warning only correspond to areas where warnings were issued without a matching dual-polarization hail detection. Radar-detected cores define the most concentrated hail path through town in the late-afternoon period.

Damage Assessment

Hail diameters reported during the event ranged from roughly 0.75 inch to 2.13 inches. In Olustee, the late-afternoon radar cores at 4:42 PM CDT and 4:44 PM CDT crossed residential and light commercial neighborhoods. Those corridors are at elevated risk for dented metal, broken skylights, and shingle damage where the larger cores passed.

Properties across the broader NWS warning area likely experienced smaller stones and scattered cosmetic impacts. Vehicle bodywork in the direct radar track is at greater risk for panel dents and cracked glass. Roofing materials that were already aged or compromised in the path of the radar-detected cores should be inspected for granule loss, bruising, and fractured tabs. Take photographic evidence of specific impacts and note location relative to the radar-detected track when documenting damage for repairs or claims.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize safety and access. Start with a visual, ground-level survey of the neighborhoods crossed by the 4:42 PM CDT and 4:44 PM CDT radar cores. Document hail size with a scale in photograph and record the address, orientation of impacted surfaces, and visible failure modes such as granule loss, fractured shingles, dented metal, or broken glass. For vehicles and outdoor equipment, log make, model, and visible damage with timestamped images.

Triage repairs by leak risk and structural exposure. Temporary coverings and tarps are appropriate for active leaks; permanent replacement decisions should factor age and extent of shingle or metal damage. Prepare itemized estimates that separate temporary stabilization from full replacement. Maintain clear notes tying each inspection to the time-of-event radar track and the local NWS warning area for claims support.