Carthage, NC Hail Storm – September 2026

Carthage, NC — September 18, 2026. A late-afternoon into early-evening thunderstorm produced 1.45" hail while traversing Moore County and prompting a series of NWS warning-only alerts.

What Happened

The storm moved into the Carthage area in the late afternoon and persisted into the early evening. The National Weather Service issued seven warning-only alerts tied to the same storm cell. Alert times were 4:10 PM EDT, 4:56 PM EDT, 5:21 PM EDT, 5:46 PM EDT, 6:11 PM EDT, 6:46 PM EDT, and 7:01 PM EDT. Each NWS warning cited 0.75" hail as the expected hazard.

Dual-polarization radar-derived hail detection indicated a larger hail footprint than the warned size. Field measurements and radar outputs produced the event peak reported above. The storm had a concentrated core that translated along a narrow track through Carthage and adjacent neighborhoods. Radar returns were consistent with moderate to strong hail signatures during the warning window.

Damage Assessment

Hail reached 1.45" at the largest observed size during the event. Hail in this size range can dent vehicle panels and bruise asphalt shingles where impact was direct. Siding materials on single-story homes may show cosmetic damage. Skylights and older single-pane windows are at greater risk of cracking when exposed directly.

No widespread structural collapse or catastrophic failures were associated with this storm in the NWS warning notices. Reported impacts were localized along the storm track through Moore County. Vehicle owners and property managers in Carthage should expect an uptick in minor-to-moderate repair needs tied to bodywork, shingle replacement, and exterior cosmetic repairs.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect south- and west-facing roof slopes first. Those slopes received longer exposure during the storm track. Document all findings with date-stamped photos and GPS coordinates. For roofing, prioritize loss indicators such as granule loss, bruising on asphalt shingles, and cracked tiles. For siding and windows, note dents, perforations, and glazing fractures. Record vehicle damage locations and orientations to support claims and repairs.

Estimate labor and material needs for common repair types: minor dent removal, shingle replacement, fascia and gutter repairs, and window glazing. Coordinate with local body shops and salvage yards for parts lead times. Provide clients with clear timelines and photos showing pre-repair condition. Maintain a log of addresses inspected in Carthage and Moore County for project management and potential insurance interactions.

Paid users can view the Strike Map for the radar-confirmed hail swath.