Birmingham, AL Hail Storm – September 2026

Birmingham, AL – September 21, 2026: A severe thunderstorm is tracking through the Birmingham metro in the early afternoon, producing hail up to 1.65 inches and continuing radar-detected hail signatures.

What Happened

Early-afternoon convection developed over the metro and is continuing to produce hail as it moves through urban and suburban areas. The National Weather Service issued one severe thunderstorm warning at 1:00 PM CDT for a warning area that included portions of the Birmingham metro; dual-polarization NEXRAD hail detection within that warning area indicated hail signals consistent with 1.17 inches. Radar-derived hail signatures extend across the western and northeastern portions of the metro and remain active as of this update.

Storm structure on radar shows compact cores with strong reflectivity and elevated hail detection values. No spotter-verified reports have been received in this public snapshot; radar detection is the primary source for the current alert. Storm movement and intensity remain subject to change while convection persists.

Damage Assessment

Hail this size is large enough to produce measurable impacts on common building materials and vehicles across the Birmingham metro. Expect panel denting and cosmetic damage to parked vehicles, especially in open lots and along commercial corridors. Roof coverings, primarily asphalt shingles on residential structures, can exhibit bruising and granular loss where impacts are concentrated on exposed slopes.

Exterior soft goods such as air-conditioning condenser fins, vinyl siding, and uncovered patio furniture are also at risk for hail-related damage. Windows and skylights can sustain chips or cracks if struck directly by larger stones. Initial inspections should prioritize locations exposed during the storm pulse and open parking areas where vehicle exposure is highest.

What Contractors Should Know

Safety first. Continue field assessments only after the storm passes and crews confirm stable conditions on site. Photograph vehicles, roofs, gutters, and HVAC units with time-stamped images and GPS coordinates. If safe and legal, collect representative hail stones to document size, and note the nearest cross streets or addresses for each observation. Avoid walking wet roofs until surfaces have dried and personal fall protection is in place.

Triage damaged assets by leak risk and occupant exposure. Apply temporary tarps over active roof breaches and secure shifted panels to prevent water intrusion during subsequent rounds of rain. For vehicles, document dents, broken glass, and paint damage; advise owners to move damaged vehicles out of ongoing exposure. Prepare estimates that separate cosmetic panel work from structural or water-entry repairs. Use local canvass zones and drive patterns to prioritize inspections where radar signatures showed the highest hail return.