Eldridge, AL Hail Storm – August 2026

Eldridge, AL experienced a multi-zone hail event on August 26, 2026, with a peak hail measurement of 1.5 inches and repeated radar-detected hail signatures across the metro.

What Happened

A hail-producing convective system passed through the Eldridge metro from late afternoon into the overnight period. NWS warnings began with a 3:12 PM CDT alert and continued through a final warning issued at 1:52 AM CDT the next day. The StormSnipe feed recorded 17 NWS alerts for the event. Alerts clustered in three main periods: mid-afternoon into early evening, an evening reintensification, and scattered activity after midnight.

Most NWS products associated with the event were labeled as NWS warning only. Dual-polarization radar detected repeated hail cores moving across the Eldridge warning area. Multiple alert updates showed sizes reported in the 0.75-inch to 1.00-inch range, with intermediate detections near 0.88 inch. The system produced several distinct hail passes over the metro rather than a single continuous line.

Damage Assessment

Alerts and radar returns indicate a hail size distribution dominated by penny-sized (0.75 inch) and quarter-sized (1.00 inch) stones across much of the warning area. Those sizes commonly cause cosmetic damage to vehicles, dent aluminum trim, and abrade shingle granules on asphalt roofs. Localized instances of larger hail were detected on radar and reflected in the overall peak measurement for the event.

Inspectors operating in Eldridge should expect a mixed damage pattern. Exposure will vary block by block depending on storm tracks during the multiple passes. Roof aging, unsecured outdoor equipment, and exposed vehicle panels are the most likely locations to show impact. No widespread catastrophic roof loss was indicated in the alert sequence, but isolated moderate roof and siding damage is consistent with the detected hail sizes.

What Contractors Should Know

Contractors conducting post-event assessments in the Eldridge metro should prioritize systematic photographic documentation tied to addresses inside the NWS warning area. Start with roof inspections focused on shingle granule loss, split or cracked edges, and concentrated impact clusters. On vehicles, record dent patterns and consider metal thickness when assessing repair versus replacement options.

Estimate work volumes by mapping damage density to the times of the multiple hail passes. Use short-interval sampling across neighborhoods that fell under consecutive alerts. Provide clients with concise repair options and clear scopes for temporary protection where needed. Maintain safety protocols for ladder and roof work during daylight inspections after a storm.

See the Strike Map for the radar-confirmed hail swath and the paid damage zone product.