Dandridge, TN Hail Storm – September 2026

Dandridge, TN – September 18, 2026: Early-evening storms produced up to 1.43-inch hail in and around Dandridge during a multi-alert sequence of NWS warnings and radar detections.

What Happened

The event unfolded in the early to late evening on September 18. Dual-polarization NEXRAD detected the largest hail signature at 6:03 PM CDT, measuring 1.43 inches. A second radar-detected signature measured 1.00 inch at 7:01 PM CDT. The National Weather Service issued seven alerts tied to the same storm track across the Dandridge warning area. Four alerts included hail size reports derived from NWS warning text: 0.75 inch at 7:02 PM CDT, 1.00 inch at 7:08 PM CDT, 1.00 inch at 7:19 PM CDT, and 0.75 inch at 8:28 PM CDT. A final NWS warning-only alert reported 0.75 inch at 8:58 PM CDT. Two of the early alerts were supported by dual-polarization radar detection; the remaining alerts were NWS warning only.

The sequence produced a concentrated hail track through the municipal and adjacent rural zones of Dandridge. The radar-detected peaks were clustered within a roughly 90-minute window in the early evening. The threat concluded later that night with no further radar hail signatures over the area after 8:58 PM CDT.

Damage Assessment

Hail reached a peak radar-detected diameter of 1.43 inches. Hail in the 1.0–1.75 inch range commonly dents vehicle body panels and causes surface damage to asphalt shingles. Expect localized shingle bruising, torn or cracked siding panels where impacts were direct, and denting on exposed metal surfaces. Skylights and single-pane windows remain at risk when hail concentrates on exposed rooflines.

Damage likelihood increases on south- and west-facing exposures that received the highest hail frequency within the warning area. Rural properties with unshielded agricultural equipment and outdoor assets are more likely to show visible impact. No spotter-verified damage reports are included in the NWS warning text for this storm; assessments below should guide field inspections rather than serve as definitive loss determinations.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize visual roof inspections for bruising and granule loss on asphalt shingles. Start with the south- and west-facing slopes and roof ridgelines. Take geotagged photos from ground level and from safe elevated positions. Note concentrated impact locations and correlate them to the radar timing window between 6:03 PM and 8:58 PM CDT. For vehicles, photodocument door panels, roofs, and hoods with a scale reference to the hail size.

Record observed damage with timestamps and GPS coordinates. Separate immediate safety issues from cosmetic impacts when triaging work. Use board-up materials only where glazing is compromised. Prepare estimates that account for both direct impact repairs and secondary water intrusion where shingles or flashing show breach. Maintain clear records for insurance workflows.