McKee, KY Hail Storm – September 2026

McKee, KY — September 18, 2026. A late-afternoon thunderstorm produced up to 0.83-inch hail and prompted an NWS severe thunderstorm warning at 3:40 PM EDT.

What Happened

The storm developed in the mid-afternoon and moved through the McKee metro area in the late afternoon. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 3:40 PM EDT that cited 0.75-inch hail within the warning area and noted NWS warning only confidence. Radar returned hail detection signatures along the storm track. The event concluded before early evening.

Only one official NWS alert covered this storm. Local radar signatures showed a short, focused hail swath aligned with the storm motion. There were no spotter-verified hail reports tied to the warning in NWS public feeds. Observations and datasets indicate a compact hail footprint rather than a long-duration hail-producing line.

Damage Assessment

Hail remained below US quarter size (1.00 inch). No spotter-verified damage reports were received through NWS public channels for McKee or immediate surrounding areas. For hail at this scale, expected effects are limited and typically localized.

Practical impacts reported in similar events include cosmetic vehicle dents, surface abrasions to soft metals, and leaf and garden damage. Roof shingle loss, broken windows, and structural failures are unlikely at this size unless preexisting vulnerabilities exist. Where local property owners reported issues after the event, damage was generally minor and limited to exterior surfaces.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect roofs and exterior metal surfaces for cosmetic impacts. Focus initial field checks on soft-metal components such as gutters, HVAC housings, aluminum siding, and vehicle panels. Use high-resolution photos and time-stamped notes to document pre-existing conditions and any new marks. Prioritize properties that reported new leaks or visible exterior holes, even if those reports are isolated.

Limit immediate invasive work. For roofing, perform an initial walk-by and photographic assessment within 24 to 72 hours. Schedule nail-popping or shingle replacement only after confirming progressive damage or leak evidence. For claims and estimates, note the NWS warning time of 3:40 PM EDT and reference radar-detected hail coverage when assembling field reports and customer communications.

Subscribers can view the paid Strike Map for the radar-confirmed hail swath.