Blountstown, FL Hail Storm – September 2026

Blountstown, FL experienced an early-evening hail event on September 20, 2026, with a peak radar-derived hail size of 1.29 inches. The storm is concluded.

What Happened

A multi-zone storm produced several NWS severe thunderstorm alerts during the early evening. NWS warnings issued for the Blountstown metro included:

• Sept 20 · 7:25 PM EDT – 0.75-inch hail – NWS warning only
• Sept 20 · 8:33 PM EDT – 0.75-inch hail – NWS warning only
• Sept 20 · 8:36 PM EDT – 1.00-inch hail – NWS warning only

The alert sequence spanned roughly 70 minutes from the first warning to the last. Warnings were issued as NWS warning only. Ground spotter-verified local storm reports were not appended to those warnings. Radar analysis identified a larger localized radar-derived hail footprint, producing the 1.29-inch peak measured in the aggregate mapping.

Damage Assessment

Alert-reported hail sizes ranged from 0.75 inch to 1.00 inch. On the NWS object scale, 0.75 inch corresponds to a penny and 1.00 inch corresponds to a quarter. Hail in that range commonly causes cosmetic and minor structural damage.

Properties with older three-tab asphalt shingles may show bruising, granule loss, and accelerated wear in impacted roof areas. Vehicles parked outdoors are at risk for denting to sheet metal, chips to paint, and cracked plastics on mirrors and trim. Vinyl siding, skylights, and exposed rooftop equipment such as condensers can exhibit impact marks or cracked housings. Glass window breakage is uncommon at these sizes but remains possible where hail was thrown by wind into recessed openings.

No widespread structural collapse or large-scale loss of life was reported in the Blountstown area in association with these warnings. Assessments should prioritize visible roof granule loss, dents on multiple vehicles at the same address, and concentrated exterior damage that aligns with the early-evening warning times.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize safety and documentation. For each inspection, record GPS coordinates, time-stamped photos of impacted areas, and a measurable reference for hail size such as a ruler or coin. Inspect high-exposure roof planes, gutters, HVAC units, skylights, and vehicles. Note granule loss, cracked shingle tabs, and cluster patterns of dents on metal. Keep separate notes for outbuildings, fences, and landscaping.

Temporary protection is appropriate where active leaks or open framing expose interiors. Use breathable tarps and secure fasteners; document tarp placement in photographs and log start and end times for temporary repairs. Prepare estimates noting age and type of roofing, and identify whether damage is cosmetic or likely to shorten expected service life. Coordinate with insurance adjusters where applicable and follow OSHA safety standards on steep roofs and when working from lifts.