Marston, NC Hail Storm – August 2026

On August 21, 2026, a hail-producing thunderstorm passed through Marston, NC, producing a peak hail stone of 2.16 inches and a multi-alert hail swath across the metro area.

What Happened

The event produced 23 NWS alerts between 12:28 PM EDT and 6:34 PM EDT, with detections from both dual-polarization NEXRAD hail detection and NWS warning-only messages. The first radar-detected hail alert arrived at 12:28 PM EDT with an estimated 0.75-inch diameter. Mid-afternoon radar returns showed increasing hail estimates, including radar-detected alerts around 2:06 PM EDT and 2:11 PM EDT that rose into the 1.1–1.3-inch range. Subsequent radar detections at 2:32 PM EDT and 2:35 PM EDT reported further growth in estimated hail size. Multiple NWS warning-only alerts followed from early afternoon into the evening, including clustered messages between about 4:16 PM EDT and 5:49 PM EDT and a second cluster between 6:03 PM EDT and 6:34 PM EDT. Some alerts were explicitly labeled radar-detected; others were issued as NWS warning only without a radar hail signature. The storm is concluded.

Damage Assessment

Observed hail sizes during the event covered a range from roughly three-quarter inch stones up to stones larger than a golf ball. Hail in the smaller portion of that range commonly dents vehicle body panels, strips shingle granules, and dents vinyl siding. Hail approaching or exceeding golf-ball size can crack or shatter single-pane glass, fracture skylights, and produce localized roof shingle breakage or punctures on low-slope roofing materials. Exposure was concentrated over Marston neighborhoods where the radar-detected hail track passed; actual damage reports should be verified with field inspection and photographic documentation before repairs are authorized.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect roofs for granule loss, fractured tabs, and soft bruising that may not be visible from the ground. Photograph all elevations and roof planes with geotagged timestamps. Check vehicles, air-conditioning fins, and exposed HVAC components for dents and impact damage. Prioritize safety for rooftop access—slippery granules and loose shingles increase fall risk.

Document pre-repair condition thoroughly. Use sequential photos showing location, scale, and damage context. Obtain signed scope agreements before starting repairs. Coordinate with insurers and request the specific Strike Map for this event to locate the precise radar-derived hail track before mobilizing crews. The Strike Map provides paid-product precision on the hail swath and damage zone coordinates.