Auburn, AL Hail Storm – September 2026

Auburn, AL experienced a concluded hail-producing storm on September 19, 2026, with a peak hail size of 1.52 inches. The event produced a series of NWS alerts across the Auburn metro warning area during the afternoon and early evening.

What Happened

The hail-producing storm affected the Auburn metro warning area from early afternoon into the early evening on September 19, 2026. NWS issued 16 alerts tied to the system. Dual-polarization radar first detected significant hail at 1:50 PM CDT, reporting 1.29 inches. Through mid- and late-afternoon, the NWS issued multiple warning-only alerts centered on 0.75-inch hail. The warning sequence continued into the early evening, with a final NWS warning at 6:27 PM CDT noting 1.00-inch hail.

Radar-detected returns and repeated NWS warning-only alerts indicate the storm produced intermittent hail cores moving through multiple zones within the Auburn warning area. The event is concluded and no active warnings remain for the Auburn metro.

Damage Assessment

Radar and NWS alerts indicate hail sizes reported in the Auburn warning area ranged from 0.75 inches up to the peak 1.52 inches. A 0.75-inch object corresponds to a penny; a 1.00-inch object corresponds to a US quarter; a golf ball is 1.75 inches. The observed range sits between penny- and just under golf-ball scale.

Hail in this size range commonly causes cosmetic vehicle dents, cracked or broken roof shingles on older or already-weathered roofing, and damage to unprotected HVAC equipment and soft exterior materials. In the Auburn metro, prioritize inspection of older asphalt-shingle roofs, unshielded parked vehicles, skylights, and exposed mechanical equipment for evidence of impact consistent with penny- to quarter- and larger-sized hail.

What Contractors Should Know

Document and triage work in the Auburn warning area. Perform external inspections as soon as conditions and permissions allow, ideally within 24 to 72 hours after the storm. Photograph damage with a measured scale and timestamp, note exact addresses within the NWS warning area, and record the storm’s local timing. Prioritize older roofs, loose siding, and HVAC condensers for immediate temporary protection to limit water intrusion until permanent repairs are scheduled.

Estimate repair scope with the observed hail-size range in mind. For roofs, check for shingle granule loss, split tabs, and fractures near flashings. For vehicle and soft-surface damage, document dents and punctures with close and wide framing. Coordinate with property owners on temporary tarping or protective covers when roofing substrate failure is present. For the radar-confirmed hail swath and the paid damage zone mapping, see the Strike Map for the Auburn area.