Central, SC Hail Storm – September 2026

A hail-producing storm moved through Central, SC on September 19, 2026 in the late afternoon, producing peak stones of 1.00 inch. The event has concluded.

What Happened

The National Weather Service issued a single severe thunderstorm warning for the metro central-sc area at 3:16 PM EDT on September 19, 2026. The warning polygon covered one contiguous corridor and was cataloged as NWS warning only. Radar returns showed a short-lived hail-bearing core as the cell translated east-northeast across the zone. No active warnings remained after the polygon expired and field operations indicate the storm is no longer producing hail.

This page represents the single-zone report for that warning area. The timing placed hail activity in the late afternoon window when surface temperatures were near seasonal normals. No additional NWS alerts were issued for the same storm in adjacent polygons during the event.

Damage Assessment

Stones of that size commonly produce cosmetic impacts on exposed materials. Vehicle body panels in uncovered parking can exhibit minor dents and paint scuffs where hail struck flat surfaces. Vinyl siding and thin metal trim in residential neighborhoods around central municipal corridors may show impact marks. Roof granular loss or shingle bruising is possible on asphalt compositions with existing wear, particularly on south- and west-facing slopes that received the longest exposure as the cell moved through.

Glass elements under direct strike risk cracked skylights and dented air-conditioning condensers at ground level. Landscaping losses are typically limited to foliage shredding and bruised soft fruits in small gardens along the storm track. No spotter-verified catastrophic structural failures were recorded in the supplied data for the metro central-sc zone.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect roofs for broken tabs, loose shingles, and granular loss starting with properties located inside the original NWS warning polygon. Prioritize visual inspections from the ground for initial triage and schedule drone or ladder assessments for confirmed anomalies. Document all findings with time-stamped photos oriented to street addresses nearest the warning area. For vehicle claims, note panel deformation and paint penetration; small dents without paint damage are frequently repairable by paintless dent removal methods.

Temporary mitigation should focus on preventing water intrusion where shingles or glazing show compromise. Apply tarps only after establishing a safe, documented access plan and with homeowner consent. Replace damaged HVAC condenser fins in coordination with mechanical contractors to avoid refrigerant and warranty issues. Coordinate work orders with claim adjusters and maintain a clear chain of custody for removed materials.

A radar-confirmed hail swath for this event is available through the paid Strike Map product for customers who require the radar-derived damage zone.