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NOAA/NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER REPORTS + U.S. CENSUS DATA

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 08540

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near ZIP 08540 from August 6, 1977 through March 18, 2026, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.

Example: 08540 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code 
Hail Reports
5
Wind Reports
35
Tornado Reports
1
Max Hail Size
1.75″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  ZIP 08540 · 1977–present Updated  Daily · last Mar 18, 2026

Latest NWS Hail Reports in and near ZIP 08540

5 reports
Free hail report for your home →
0.75″ hail
Jul 28, 2012
8:20 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 08540
Mercer County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: A thunderstorm dropped penny size hail in Princeton Township.
NWS Hail Report Location: N Princeton, NJ
0.75″ hail
Jul 28, 2012
8:12 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 08540
Mercer County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: A thunderstorm dropped penny size hail in Lawrence Township.
NWS Hail Report Location: N Princeton, NJ
1.00″ hail
Jun 17, 2004
6:50 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 08540
Mercer County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Princeton, NJ
1.75″ hail
Oct 4, 2000
6:45 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 08540
Mercer County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Princeton, NJ
0.75″ hail
Jun 22, 1996
4:45 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 08540
Mercer County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Princeton, NJ
Showing 5 of 5
Hail Damage Risk for Your Home +

Hail reports describe hail by diameter, often comparing stone size to familiar objects like peas, quarters, golf balls, and softballs. Use this guide as a starting point for possible hail damage to your roof, siding, gutters, vents, windows, and exterior. Actual hail damage depends on hail hardness, density, wind speed, impact angle, roof age, shingle condition, roof pitch, roofing material, installation quality, and prior storm damage.

Pea
0.25″
Low

Usually too small to cause hail damage to most sound asphalt roofs, siding, or gutters.

Mothball
0.50″
Sub-Severe Watch

Below the NWS severe-hail threshold, but not always harmless. Repeated small hail can scuff surfaces, wear aging shingles, and loosen protective granules over time.

Penny
0.75″
Minor / Watch

Below the NWS severe-hail threshold, but roof hail damage is still possible on older, brittle, poorly installed, or previously damaged shingles. May also mark screens, vents, gutters, and soft metal.

Nickel
0.88″
Minor / Watch

Still below the severe-hail threshold, but large enough to leave visible marks on soft metal and add wear to older or hail-weakened roof shingles.

Quarter
1.00″
Watch

The NWS severe-hail threshold. Quarter-size hail can bruise shingles, dent soft metal, and create roof hail damage worth checking.

Half Dollar
1.25″
Watch

More likely to dent gutters, vents, flashing, and siding. Hail damage risk rises quickly on older roofs or hail-weakened shingles.

Ping Pong / Walnut
1.50″
Likely

Hail damage becomes more likely, including bruised shingles, granule loss, dented siding, and damaged roof vents.

Golf Ball
1.75″
Likely

Often causes roof hail damage, cracked shingles, dented gutters, damaged flashing, and siding impacts. A roof inspection is recommended.

Hen Egg
2.00″
Serious

Can crack or puncture shingles, expose mat, dent siding, and cause widespread hail damage across the roof and exterior.

Tennis Ball
2.50″
Serious

Can cause heavy roof hail damage, punctured siding, broken skylights, damaged vents, and widespread exterior damage.

Baseball
2.75″
Major

Major hail damage is likely, including severe roof impacts, damaged siding, broken windows, and possible major roof repairs.

Tea Cup / Large Apple
3.00″
Major

Can cause heavy hail damage across the roof, siding, gutters, windows, and exterior. Significant repairs are often needed.

Softball
4.00″
Extreme

Destructive hail damage. Can severely damage roofing materials, siding, windows, gutters, vents, vehicles, and exterior surfaces.

Grapefruit
4.50″
Extreme

Catastrophic hail damage risk for roofs, windows, vehicles, siding, gutters, and exterior surfaces.

Source: NOAA / National Weather Service hail size references are used for hail-size comparisons and the 1.00″ severe-hail threshold. Damage descriptions are general homeowner guidance, not official NOAA/NWS damage ratings. Sub-severe hail under 1.00″ is below the severe threshold, but that does not mean “no roof damage.” Penny- to nickel-size hail can still contribute to granule loss, cosmetic surface marks, and added wear, especially on older, brittle, poorly installed, or previously damaged roofs.

Latest NWS Wind Reports in and near ZIP 08540

35 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
UNK mph
Mar 18, 2026
3:43 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 08540
Mercer County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Several trees and wires down around Princeton. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 E Princeton, NJ
UNK mph
Mar 18, 2026
3:42 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 08540
Mercer County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: NJ DOT - TOC South: Downed Tree/Wires on US 206 Northbound At Province Line Rd (Lawrence Twp)... All lanes closed. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 SW Princeton, NJ
UNK mph
Jun 30, 2025
8:25 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 08540
Middlesex County · 166,704 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees and wires down at the intersection of Schalks Crossing Road and Wyndhurst Drive. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: Plainsboro Township, NJ
UNK mph
Jun 30, 2025
8:23 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 08540
Middlesex County · 166,704 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Multiple trees uprooted and large tree branches snapped. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 WNW Plainsboro Townsh, NJ
UNK mph
Jun 30, 2025
8:23 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 08540
Middlesex County · 166,704 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Multiple trees down at intersection of Schalks Crossing Road and Scudders Mill Road. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: Plainsboro Township, NJ
UNK mph
Jul 17, 2024
12:53 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 08540
Somerset County · 78,040 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Reports of numerous trees down on Rte 206 near Rocky Hill. Time estimated.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 WSW Rocky Hill, NJ
UNK mph
Aug 7, 2023
11:37 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 08540
Mercer County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: US206 closed between Province Line Road and Quaker Road due to downed trees and wires. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 WSW Princeton, NJ
UNK mph
Jul 15, 2023
8:54 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 08540
Middlesex County · 166,704 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Report of Trees down in Kingston Section of South Brunswick. Time estimated via radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 WSW Heathcote, NJ
UNK mph
Jun 27, 2023
3:40 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 08540
Mercer County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Corrects time from previous tstm wnd dmg report from 3 NE Lawrenceville. Report of wires down on Lawrenceville Road. Time estimated via radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 NE Lawrenceville, NJ
UNK mph
Jun 26, 2023
3:40 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 08540
Mercer County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Report of wires down on Lawrenceville Road. Time estimated via radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 NE Lawrenceville, NJ
UNK mph
Sep 23, 2021
7:28 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 08540
Somerset County · 78,040 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND WIRES NEAR BUNKER HILL ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM OUTAGE REPORT AND RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 W Kendall Park, NJ
UNK mph
Jun 3, 2021
11:36 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 08540
Mercer County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND WIRES NEAR LEIGH AVENUE. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 SW North Princeton, NJ
UNK mph
Jun 27, 2020
8:14 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 08540
Somerset County · 78,040 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: DOWNED TREE CLOSING NJ ROUTE 27 IN BOTH DIRECTIONS JUST NORTH OF ROUTE 618. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NW Heathcote, NJ
UNK mph
Apr 9, 2020
5:30 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 08540
Somerset County · 78,040 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: LARGE SPRUCE TREE DOWN ACROSS DRIVEWAY. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 ESE Montgomery Twp, NJ
UNK mph
Feb 7, 2020
3:54 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 08540
Mercer County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: GREAT ROAD CLOSED BETWEEN STUART ROAD AND PRINCETON DAY SCHOOL FROM A POLE AND WIRES DOWN. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 W North Princeton, NJ
Showing 15 of 35
Wind Damage Risk for Your Home +

Storm reports list thunderstorm wind gusts in mph. The NWS marks storms as severe at 58+ mph, but wind damage to your home depends on roof age, shingle condition, installation, exposure, nearby trees, and prior hail or wind damage.

Below Severe
Under 58 mph
Minor

Usually little damage to a sound roof, but loose shingles, flashing, or debris may shift.

Severe
58–74 mph
Watch

Can loosen shingles, lift flashing, break limbs, and damage gutters, siding, fences, or trim.

Damaging
75–90 mph
Serious

Can peel shingles, damage vents, tear siding, rip gutters, and expose weak roof areas.

Extreme
90+ mph
Major

Can cause major roof covering loss, tree damage, broken windows, and structural damage.

Source: NOAA / National Weather Service storm reports. Gusts may be measured or estimated; actual wind damage varies by roof condition, exposure, and prior hail or wind damage.

Latest NWS Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 08540

1 reports
UNK category
Sep 1, 2021
11:32 PM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 08540
Mercer County · 71,470 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN ALONG EMMONS DRIVE ALONG ROUTE 1 IN PRINCETON... NJ AS A REMNANT SUPERCELL MOVED NORTHWARD AFTER PRODUCING THE MULLICA HILL AND BURLINGTON... NJ TORNADOES EARLIER WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AS IDA`S REMNANTS MOVED THROUGH THE REGION. DAMAGE FIRST OCCURRED AS SEVERAL SMALL BRANCHES WERE BROUGHT DOWN ALONG THE WHOLE FOODS AND WENDYS PARKING LOTS ALONG ROUTE 1 IN FAR EASTERN PRINCETON TOWNSHIP... WITH A CONTINUED PATH OF MINOR BRANCH DAMAGE EXTENDING NORTHWARD ALONG FARBER ROAD... MEADOW DRIVE... AND CANAL POINTE BOULEVARD ADJACENT TO ROUTE 1. SEVERAL MEDIUM-SIZE TREES WERE ALSO UPROOTED WITH NUMEROUS SMALL BRANCHES HAVING BEEN BROUGHT DOWN ALONG THE WESTERN PERIPHERY OF THE MARKETFAIR SHOPPING PARKING LOT. FROM THERE... THE TORNADO CONTINUED NORTHWARD WITH MINOR TREE DAMAGE HAVING OCCURRED ALONG CARNEGIE CENTER BOULEVARD AS THE TORNADO MOVED NORTHWARD. SEVERAL SMALL BRANCHES WERE ALSO BROUGHT DOWN IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA ALONG HERITAGE BOULEVARD WITH ONE PINE TREE EVEN HAVING BEEN S
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 W West Windsor Twp., NJ
Showing 1 of 1
Tornado Damage Risk for Your Home +

After a tornado, the National Weather Service assigns an EF rating from EF0 to EF5 based on surveyed damage. The rating estimates wind speed from what the tornado damaged, so actual damage can vary by construction quality, roof age, garage doors, windows, trees, debris, and how close the home was to the tornado path.

EF0
65–85 mph
Light

Can peel shingles, damage gutters or siding, break tree limbs, and toss loose outdoor items.

EF1
86–110 mph
Moderate

Can strip roof covering, damage exterior doors, break windows, snap trees, and cause heavier siding or gutter damage.

EF2
111–135 mph
Serious

Can tear off large sections of roofing, break or uproot trees, destroy weaker structures, and cause major exterior damage.

EF3–EF5
136+ mph
Severe

Can remove roofs and walls, destroy large portions of homes, toss vehicles, and cause severe to total destruction near the path.

Source: NOAA / National Weather Service. EF ratings are assigned after a post-storm damage survey and are based on observed damage, not a direct measurement at every home.

NWS Hail, Wind and Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 08540 on the Interactive Map

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NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · ZIP Code

ZIP 08540 area census snapshot

People & households
Population49,499
Households18,037
Housing units19,255
Income
Median household income$169,898
$100k+ households31.0%
$150k+ households16.3%
Housing stock
Single-family detached9,543
Attached single-family3,739
Small multifamily1,392
Large multifamily4,578
Mobile homes3
Housing mix
Single-family share49.6%
Attached-home share19.4%
Multifamily share31%
Mobile-home share0.0%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied11,438
Renter-occupied6,599
Vacant units1,218
Home value & age
Median home value$723,400
Owner homes $300k+92.0%
Owner homes $500k+77.9%
Owner homes $750k+46.7%
Median year built1985
Older-home share40.8%
Vehicle context
Households with cars16,620
Free hail maps

This snapshot is for local area context only and describes the selected state, county, city, or ZIP area — not a specific home or property. For ZIP-level estimated hail impact, use Free Hail Maps to generate a hail report with key impact details for that ZIP.

Frequently asked questions

for homeowners, buyers & sellers
How many hail, wind, and tornado reports does ZIP 08540 have on record?

Our records show 5 hail, 35 wind, and 1 tornado reports in and near ZIP 08540, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on March 18, 2026.

What is the largest hail ever reported in ZIP 08540?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in and near ZIP 08540 is 1.75″. It was reported near Princeton, NJ on October 4, 2000.

A storm report showed up near my home in ZIP 08540 — does that mean my roof is damaged?

Not necessarily. A storm report only means hail, wind, or a tornado was observed nearby; it does not confirm damage at any specific address, and conditions change from block to block. Check an address-level hail report first, and if it looks significant, find a local pro that serves ZIP 08540 and ask about a Remote Hail Inspection before anyone climbs on the roof.

I am buying a home in ZIP 08540 — why should I look at its storm history?

Recent hail or wind can leave a roof or exterior with damage that is easy to miss during a walkthrough, and a recent roof replacement is sometimes an insurance job after a storm. Reviewing the storm history for a ZIP 08540 address before closing helps you ask informed questions about roof age, past repairs, and any prior claims.

I am selling a home in ZIP 08540 — how does this help me?

Knowing the storm history for your address lets you answer buyer questions with confidence, document repairs you have already made, and decide whether a pre-listing roof check is worthwhile. A clear hail history removes a common sticking point during negotiations.

How do I check hail history for a specific ZIP 08540 address?

Use the address search to pull a free address-level hail report for any property in ZIP 08540 — no phone number or email required. It shows recent hail activity for that address so you know whether a closer roof or exterior review makes sense.

Where does this storm report data come from, and what are its limits?

Storm reports on this page are public reports from storm events in and around ZIP 08540, sourced from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. They show where hail, wind, or tornado activity was reported in ZIP 08540, but they do not confirm damage at any specific property. Report locations, sizes, and times may be approximate and can vary from what an individual home experienced. For property-specific hail history, use an address-level hail report or contact a participating local professional for a remote hail inspection. Pros inclusion is not an endorsement, and contacting a professional does not confirm damage at any property.

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