New Plymouth, OH Hail Storm – September 2026

New Plymouth, OH experienced a late-afternoon hail event on September 19, 2026, with peak hail measured at 0.85 inches and an associated NWS severe thunderstorm warning. The event has concluded.

What Happened

A single-zone storm moved across the New Plymouth metro area in the late afternoon and early evening. The National Weather Service issued one severe thunderstorm warning at 5:06 PM EDT on September 19 for 0.75-inch hail; the advisory was classified as NWS warning only. Radar returns showed concentrated reflectivity along the observed path and dual-polarization signatures consistent with sub-inch hail. The warning window closed as the line weakened and moved out of the metro area.

Field reports and public submissions for this event were limited. The storm track intersected residential and light-commercial areas within the New Plymouth zone. No ongoing warnings remained after the storm passed.

Damage Assessment

Recorded hail sizes were in the sub-inch range. At these sizes, the most common impacts are cosmetic. Expect isolated paint chips and minor dents on vehicle sheet metal, particularly on older panels or on vehicles parked uncovered. Asphalt shingles may exhibit granular loss where they were already weathered; this can shorten remaining service life but does not indicate immediate structural failure.

Vinyl siding and soft materials such as patio cushions or umbrellas can show punctures or tears in localized exposures. Window glass and heavy structural elements are unlikely to suffer new damage from sub-inch hail unless pre-existing vulnerabilities existed. No widespread, severe structural damage is expected from this event based on the measured hail sizes and available reports.

What Contractors Should Know

Roofing contractors: prioritize visual inspection for granule loss, bruising, and split shingles on the windward sides of roofs within the warned corridor. Photograph suspect areas with date-stamped images and record GPS coordinates when possible. Focus initial inspections on properties with older or weathered shingles and on roof-mounted equipment. Temporary tarps are rarely required for sub-inch hail unless inspection reveals compromised flashings or secondary water entry.

Auto and exterior contractors: check vehicle fleets and exposed inventory for paint chips and minor dents. Document all findings with close-up photos and a short notes log. For siding and exterior trim, inspect impact points and vertical panels for hairline cracks and perforations. Schedule non-emergency repairs in the coming weeks and provide customers with condition-based estimates rather than immediate replacement recommendations.

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