Drums, PA Hail Storm – August 2026

Drums, PA — August 7, 2026 — A multi-zone storm is tracking through Drums while producing hail up to 1.84 inches and generating repeated NWS warning-area alerts.

What Happened

Storm activity began in mid-afternoon and is currently active and tracking through the region. The first NWS warning associated with this event was issued at 1:37 PM EDT. The event comprises 46 NWS alerts across the warning area, with reports continuing into the evening through 8:52 PM EDT.

Most alerts were issued as NWS warning only. Radar-detected hail was recorded later in the sequence. Dual-polarization radar indicated hail around 1.05 inches at 2:58 PM EDT and 1.34 inches at 3:03 PM EDT. The pattern shows repeated rounds of hail-producing convection moving across adjacent zones within the aggregate event.

Storm behavior is evolving. Some warning-area polygons reported no hail at certain times while nearby polygons reported pea- to near-golf-ball-size hail. Alerts cluster in the late afternoon and early evening, suggesting multiple cells or a multicellular line moving through the metro Drums area.

Damage Assessment

Alerts mapped across the Drums warning area show hail reports ranging predominantly from 0.75 to 1.00 inch, with radar-detected returns exceeding 1.00 inch during the mid-afternoon pulse. For this event, expect scattered denting to vehicle panels where 0.75-inch hail struck. Repeated impacts at 1.0 to 1.34 inches increase the likelihood of asphalt shingle granule loss and curbside siding dents in affected neighborhoods.

Hail approaching and exceeding 1.5 inches presents a higher risk of broken skylights, cracked greenhouse glass, and localized roof-cover failures on older or already-weathered roofing. Photographic documentation tied to local timestamps will be required to differentiate new impact damage from pre-existing conditions within the warning area.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize roof and vehicle inspections inside the NWS warning-area polygons that recorded larger radar returns and repeated alerts. Begin with photographic surveys that include a wide-angle context shot, close-up of impact signatures, and a timestamped location reference. Note any clustered impact patterns along the likely cell tracks and record material condition before repairs. Safety: ongoing storms and wet roofs increase fall risk. Schedule external inspections only when local conditions permit safe access.

For triage, treat repeated small-to-moderate impacts as candidates for shingle replacement and granule blow-off mitigation. For larger impacts near or above 1.5 inches, evaluate for penetrations, broken glazing, and potential water entry points. Temporary coverings and corner tarps should be documented with measurements and a planned timeline for permanent repairs. Coordinate claims documentation closely with photo and GPS evidence inside the affected warning-area polygons.