Rainelle, WV Hail Storm – September 2026

A hail-producing thunderstorm is tracking through Rainelle, WV on September 21, 2026, producing up to 1.84-inch hail and continuing to develop across the metro. The event remains active and is generating a sequence of NWS alerts and radar detections.

What Happened

NWS issued 13 alerts for the Rainelle metro between 12:43 PM EDT and 4:03 PM EDT. The early alerts at 12:43 PM and 1:09 PM reported 1.00-inch hail via NWS warning only. Multiple NWS warning-only reports followed through the early afternoon, typically reporting 0.75" to 1.00" hail around mid- to late afternoon.

Dual-polarization radar detected larger hail signatures during the afternoon. Radar-based hail detections occurred at 2:16 PM EDT, 3:12 PM EDT, and 3:35 PM EDT with radar-derived sizes of 1.19", 1.15", and 1.17" respectively. NWS warning-only messages continued alongside radar detections through the early evening. The storm is continuing to track through the metro and may produce additional radar-detected hail while active.

Damage Assessment

Reported and radar-detected hail for this event spans roughly 0.75" to the larger radar hits in the 1.15"–1.19" range, with the overall event including larger radar returns. Hail at 0.75" commonly produces cosmetic damage: chipped paint, small dents in vehicle panels, and granular loss on asphalt shingles.

Hail in the 1.00"–1.25" range increases the likelihood of denting on aluminum and soft metal surfaces, pitting on vehicle glass and exposed trim, and accelerated shingle granule loss that can expose underlying mat and shorten service life. Roof coverings with existing wear and older single-pane windows are at elevated risk for visible impact marks and localized cracking.

What Contractors Should Know

Field teams should prioritize safety and documented condition. Do not access roofs while the storm is active. Once conditions allow, perform a methodical inspection: photograph all elevations with a clear scale reference, check roof edges, vents, skylights, gutters, and exposed HVAC equipment for impact marks, and record vehicle and siding damage. Time-stamped photographs tied to addresses will support client communications and insurance processes.

Estimate visible scope conservatively for temporary repairs. Implement tarping only where active leaks exist or large breaches are observed. For nonemergency damage, schedule a follow-up inspection in 24–72 hours to document progression of leaks, test interior water intrusion, and confirm whether secondary damage has developed. Provide clients with a written scope and prioritized repairs list to streamline claims and recovery.

Paid customers can view the Strike Map for the radar-confirmed hail swath and detailed radar-detected impact footprints.