Jay, FL Hail Storm – September 2026

Jay, Florida experienced a multi-zone hail event on September 20, 2026, producing maximum hail up to 1.29 inches during a late-afternoon to early-evening storm. The event is concluded.

What Happened

The National Weather Service issued two severe thunderstorm warnings for the Jay area on September 20. The first warning was issued at 5:21 PM EDT and indicated 0.88-inch hail with NWS warning only confidence. The second warning was issued at 7:23 PM EDT and carried the same 0.88-inch hail indicator and NWS warning only confidence. Storm activity progressed across the metro from late afternoon into the early evening, producing a compact multi-zone hail track.

This page aggregates the two NWS warning-only alerts with radar-derived hail detections used in post-event mapping. The public NWS warnings provided the initial alerting; additional radar detections contributed to the mapped hail footprint used in the StormSnipe multi-zone report. The storm has concluded and no active warnings remain for Jay, FL.

Damage Assessment

Hail in this size range exceeds a US quarter (1.00 inch) but is smaller than a golf ball (1.75 inches). Hail of this size can produce cosmetic and functional damage depending on exposure and material condition. Typical issues to inspect in Jay include denting and paint pitting on vehicles, broken or cracked single-pane glass, and localized granule loss or bruising on asphalt shingles. Metal roofs and HVAC condenser fins are vulnerable to dents and bent fins when unprotected.

Because field reports for this event are limited, documented losses cannot be assumed across the entire warning area. Property owners in Jay should perform a visual inspection and photograph any hail impact with a measurable reference. Photographing damaged areas from multiple angles and noting the time and location will assist contractor assessment and insurance reporting.

What Contractors Should Know

Perform a prioritized, safety-first inspection. Confirm that roofs are safe to access and that electrical hazards are controlled before work begins. Record the roof deck condition, shingle or panel type, and any visible granule loss or fractures. For vehicles and outdoor equipment, record all dents and glazing damage with scale reference. Provide clients with a simple checklist: photos, location coordinates if possible, and a documented timeline tied to the 5:21 PM and 7:23 PM NWS warnings.

Scope repairs with conservative, measurable estimates. For asphalt shingles, note area of granule loss and count of compromised shingles rather than relying on subjective color fading alone. For metal and HVAC work, document bent fins and dented panels and include digitized photographs in the scope of work. Coordinate temporary tarps and covers only after confirming roof deck integrity and client authorization. Share photographic documentation with adjusters and retain originals for client files.