Sylvania, GA Hail Storm – September 2026

Sylvania, GA experienced a concluded multi-zone hail event on September 6, 2026, with peak stones reaching 1.8 inches. The storm produced a sequence of NWS alerts and mixed radar and warning-only detections in the late afternoon and evening.

What Happened

Alerts began around 3:13 PM EDT and continued through 11:58 PM EDT, totaling 12 NWS alerts for the Sylvania area. Early radar detections included a 1.37-inch radar-derived hail signature at 3:13 PM EDT and a 1.00-inch radar detection at 4:00 PM EDT. The most significant radar-derived detection in the sequence measured 1.49 inches at 5:36 PM EDT. Multiple later alerts between 6:51 PM and 11:58 PM EDT were listed as NWS warning only with reported hail sizes of 0.75 inch and 1.00 inch in some messages. One late alert at 9:00 PM EDT reported no hail.

The sequence shows alternating radar-detected hail signatures and NWS warning-only alerts across separate warning areas. The event covered several local zones within the Sylvania metro warning area and concluded by midnight local time. Spotter or ground-verified reports are not included in the public alert sequence for this page; the record combines radar-derived detections and NWS warning-only reports.

Damage Assessment

Reported hail sizes on September 6 ranged from 0.75 inch to 1.8 inches. A 0.75-inch stone corresponds to a penny (0.75 inch). A 1.00-inch stone matches a US quarter coin. The peak 1.8-inch size slightly exceeded a golf ball (1.75 inches) and approached larger projectile sizes associated with roof and vehicle damage.

Penny- to quarter-sized hail typically produces surface abrasion, granule loss on asphalt shingles, and small dents in metal siding and vehicle body panels. Hail at or above 1.5 inches increases the risk of shingle cracking, punctures to soft metal, significant denting to vehicles, and pitting of skylights and solar panels. For structures with older roofing or thin metal panels, the 1.49-inch radar detection during the afternoon and the 1.8-inch peak make detailed inspection advisable. Document visible impact patterns and note the location relative to the warning area when compiling estimates.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize roof and vehicle inspections in the portions of Sylvania within the NWS warning area where radar detections occurred between mid-afternoon and late evening. Start with properties showing concentrated granule loss, displaced tabs, or clustered pockmarks on horizontal surfaces. Photograph damage with geotags and a dated scale reference. For roofing, check for fractured shingles, broken tabs, and exposed underlayment. For metal roofs and siding, look for local dent clusters and seam deformation. Log the time of inspection and reference the nearest radar detection times when preparing client estimates.

Safety and mitigation steps are first-line. Secure loose debris and temporary coverings for exposed roofing. Use fall protection and regulated ladder practices when accessing roofs. For vehicles, advise clients to avoid immediate DIY paintless dent removal assessments until a full damage log exists. Coordinate with insurance adjusters using time-stamped photos and location notes tied to the NWS warning area. For claims covering solar arrays or skylights, collect panel model and serial information and note concentrated pitting patterns.