Florence, SC Hail Storm – September 2026

Florence, SC experienced a late-afternoon to early-evening hail event on September 11, 2026, producing stones up to 1.69 inches and triggering multiple NWS warnings and radar hail detections.

What Happened

The storm moved across the Florence metro in late afternoon into early evening. The event timeline and alert sources are as follows.

• September 11 · 4:16 PM EDT (20:16 UTC) – 1.00-inch hail – NWS warning only.
• September 11 · 4:58 PM EDT (20:58 UTC) – 1.00-inch hail – NWS warning only.
• September 11 · 5:01 PM EDT (21:01 UTC) – 1.42-inch hail – dual-polarization radar hail detection.
• September 11 · 5:03 PM EDT (21:03 UTC) – 1.00-inch hail – NWS warning only.
• September 11 · 5:08 PM EDT (21:08 UTC) – 1.03-inch hail – dual-polarization radar hail detection.
• September 11 · 5:44 PM EDT (21:44 UTC) – 1.25-inch hail – dual-polarization radar hail detection.
• September 11 · 6:36 PM EDT (22:36 UTC) – 1.16-inch hail – dual-polarization radar hail detection.
• September 11 · 7:14 PM EDT (23:14 UTC) – 1.00-inch hail – NWS warning only.

Radar returns between 5:01 PM and 6:36 PM show the largest reflectivity signatures over the Florence metro. The event is concluded.

Damage Assessment

The alert sequence records hail reports clustered in the late-afternoon to early-evening window. Stones reported by radar and NWS warnings ranged from roughly 1.00 inch up to 1.69 inches across the metro area.

Stones near 1.00 inch commonly cause cosmetic vehicle dents and deformed aluminum trim. Reports at 1.25 inches and above indicate a greater risk to roofing shingles, roof-mounted equipment, and soft metals. Stones larger than 1.25 inches can crack skylights and damage solar panel glass under direct impact. Vinyl siding and older asphalt shingles are at higher risk where exposure and angle of impact align with hail swaths.

Inspect properties exposed during the 5:00–6:45 PM window first. Photograph hail damage beside a ruler or coin for scale and record the exact time of inspection. Where roof impact is suspected, look for granule loss, split shingles, and indentations on metal roofing. Vehicle inspections should include roof panels, hood, trunk, and windshield. Note that hail may cause delayed leaks if only minor shingle granule loss occurred.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize safety and documentation. Use personal protective equipment and stable access methods when inspecting roofs after the event. Capture high-resolution photos showing both overall roof condition and close-ups of damage with a scale reference. Record client statements about vehicle locations and outdoor exposure during the 5:00–6:45 PM window.

For repairs, confirm observed damage follows the event timing and documented alert footprints. Temporary tarping is appropriate for active leaks. Avoid irreversible repairs before a thorough inspection and measurement. Coordinate with property owners to collect time-stamped photos and any spotter or eyewitness notes tied to the listed alert times.