Northport, AL Hail Storm – September 2026

Northport, AL on September 20, 2026 experienced a short-lived severe thunderstorm that produced up to 1.36-inch hail concentrated over the city in the late afternoon.

What Happened

The storm moved through the Northport area in the late afternoon on September 20. The National Weather Service issued one hail warning at 3:11 PM CDT citing hail detected by dual-polarization NEXRAD radar. That warning included a 1.19-inch radar hail detection at the time of issuance. Radar-derived analysis later mapped a larger hail footprint across parts of the city before the cell weakened and the event concluded.

The event was brief. The primary alert window centered on mid-afternoon through early evening. There were no successive warning polygons for this cell after the 3:11 PM advisory. All radar returns and the warning polygon indicate the most intense returns tracked over central Northport and adjacent sections of the metro.

Damage Assessment

Hail in the roughly one-to-one-and-a-half-inch range can produce visible vehicle dents and broken glass on vulnerable fixtures. In Northport, locations under the strongest radar returns are most likely to see dented vehicle body panels, cracked skylights, and bruising to exposed agricultural fruit. Asphalt-shingle roofs with significant prior wear may show granule loss and localized shingle fracture. Newer laminated shingles are less likely to lose large sections but can show bruising that shortens service life.

Exterior vinyl siding and window screens can be punctured or torn where hail impacts were concentrated. Metal fixtures and outdoor mechanical units may show denting but are rarely structurally compromised at these sizes. Gutters and soft exterior trim are at risk for bent or perforated sections in the areas that intersected the strongest radar returns and the NWS warning polygon.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize a visual roof and vehicle inventory in the zones covered by the NWS warning polygon and the radar-detected hail swath. Start with high points and windward-facing slopes. Look for circular granule loss, crushed or split shingle tabs, and concentrated impact clusters on metal flashing. Photograph damage with a scale reference and capture GPS-tagged images when possible. Limit ladder time to the minimum necessary for documentation; follow OSHA fall protection guidelines on all residential and commercial roofs.

For temporary repairs, use tarps and sealants to prevent water ingress until full replacements can be scheduled. Separate cosmetic dents from functional failures when estimating work. Note serial numbers and condition of outdoor HVAC and mechanical equipment before procurement of replacement parts. Prepare estimates with itemized line items for shingle replacement, underlayment, flashing, and labor hours. Provide clients with a clear, dated report that ties observed damage locations to the NWS warning polygon and radar-detected returns.