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NOAA/NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER STORM REPORTS

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports on January 7, 1998

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports across the United States on January 7, 1998 from January 7, 1998 through January 7, 1998, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.

Pick any date to see hail, wind and tornado public reports for that day — e.g. September 18, 2026.
Hail Reports
1
Wind Reports
42
Tornado Reports
4
Max Hail Size
0.75″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  United States · January 7, 1998 · 1998–present Updated  Daily · last Jan 7, 1998

NWS Hail Reports on January 7, 1998

1 reports
Free hail report for your home →
0.75″ hail
Jan 7, 1998
7:20 AM CST
Hail report for January 7, 1998
Marengo County · 5,597 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sweet Water, AL
Showing 1 of 1
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.

NWS Wind Reports on January 7, 1998

42 reports
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UNK mph
Jan 7, 1998
11:55 PM EST
Wind report for January 7, 1998
Galax city · 2,318 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Galax, VA
UNK mph
Jan 7, 1998
11:45 PM EST
Wind report for January 7, 1998
Surry County · 22,314 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Countywide, NC
UNK mph
Jan 7, 1998
10:00 PM EST
Wind report for January 7, 1998
Laurens County · 13,920 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Severe thunderstorm winds destroyed a barn and knocked trees down onto a mobile home. Several other trees were uprooted and windows were blown out of a home and a barber shop.
NWS Wind Report Location: Dublin, GA
62 mph
Jan 7, 1998
9:23 PM EST
Wind report for January 7, 1998
Stephens County · 8,499 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Toccoa, GA
58 mph
Jan 7, 1998
8:45 PM EST
Wind report for January 7, 1998
Elbert County · 6,025 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Countywide, GA
69 mph
Jan 7, 1998
8:20 PM EST
Wind report for January 7, 1998
Anderson County · 65,340 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A one mile long swath of damage occurred in northern Anderson county in the Double Springs community. An eye-witness describes a swirl of wind that came across a lake and damaged a couple of residences as well as downed a few large trees. This quite possibly could have been a tornado, but the report was received too late to do a damage survey.
NWS Wind Report Location: NE Pendleton, SC
UNK mph
Jan 7, 1998
7:40 PM EST
Wind report for January 7, 1998
Greene County · 8,180 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A severe thunderstorm caused damage in downtown Greensboro, mainly in a 2 block by 3 block area around the intersection of State Roads 15 and 44. A total of 23 businesses were damaged. Two homes sustained minor damage. Roofs being damaged or blown off and windows being blown out accounted for much of the damage. Other damage came from debris being blown around and water damage inside stores and shops where the roofs were blown off. One car was destroyed by falling bricks. Witnesses said there were roaring sounds, but sight survey by a NWS employee indicated the damage was by straight-line winds from a downburst. Luckily, there were no injuries or deaths, since most businesses close early on Wednesday evenings.
NWS Wind Report Location: Greensboro, GA
UNK mph
Jan 7, 1998
6:00 PM EST
Wind report for January 7, 1998
Bibb County · 46,378 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A channel 24 TV meteorologist reported thunderstorm winds knocked down a couple of trees. One fell on a power line causing a power outage.
NWS Wind Report Location: Macon, GA
UNK mph
Jan 7, 1998
12:40 PM CST
Wind report for January 7, 1998
Talladega County · 24,472 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A tree fell on a power line along CR 34 in the northwest part of the county. Wind was believed to have gusted to 45 mph.
NWS Wind Report Location: 10 NW Talladega, AL
81 mph
Jan 7, 1998
11:15 AM CST
Wind report for January 7, 1998
Elmore County · 27,573 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Strong straight-line wind was believed responsible for property damage across northern Elmore County from southeast of the Lightwood community in northwest Elmore County to Seman in the north central part of the county. A house of unknown construction was destroyed about 4 miles northwest of Holtville. A man lying on a sofa was picked up by the wind along with the sofa and blown about 300 yards. Numerous trees along with power lines were downed by the wind. Emergency management officials surveyed the damage, and they believe the damage was caused by strong wind.
NWS Wind Report Location: NW Holtville, AL
58 mph
Jan 7, 1998
11:15 AM CST
Wind report for January 7, 1998
Covington County · 13,532 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees and power lines were blown down around Opp.
NWS Wind Report Location: Opp, AL
58 mph
Jan 7, 1998
11:00 AM CST
Wind report for January 7, 1998
Covington County · 13,532 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Several trees were blown down along US Hwy 84 just east of Andalusia.
NWS Wind Report Location: Andalusia, AL
81 mph
Jan 7, 1998
10:55 AM CST
Wind report for January 7, 1998
Chilton County · 12,727 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: What was believed to be a downburst damaged a number of structures and downed trees and power lines in central Chilton County between Clanton and Thorsby around New Salem Church and Collins Chapel. Two mobile homes were destroyed, five mobile homes were damaged, at least eight permanent homes were damaged, two vehicles were damaged, and a number of trees were down. Three poles along a major power line were also downed forcing US 31 traffic to be rerouted for several hours. The damage area was surveyed by NWS meteorologists and the damage pattern was consistent with straight-line wind.
NWS Wind Report Location: NW Clanton, AL
58 mph
Jan 7, 1998
10:30 AM CST
Wind report for January 7, 1998
Autauga County · 18,289 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: An old barn was destroyed and a shed was damaged in the Pine Level community, in the eastern part of the county.
NWS Wind Report Location: Pine Level, AL
58 mph
Jan 7, 1998
10:30 AM CST
Wind report for January 7, 1998
Butler County · 6,630 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees and power lines were blown down in Greenville.
NWS Wind Report Location: Greenville, AL
Showing 15 of 42
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.

NWS Tornado Reports on January 7, 1998

4 reports
F2 category
Jan 7, 1998
9:10 PM EST
Tornado report for January 7, 1998
Pickens County · 36,052 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A tornado developed from a fast moving severe thunderstorm that raced north out of eastern Georgia. The F2 tornado destroyed several houses and mobile homes and severely damaged many other homes and businesses. Damage was sustained to the south of the track of the tornado due to strong inflow into the storm. Damage from severe thunderstorm winds in the rear flank downdraft occurred north into Easley.
NWS Tornado Report Location: S Easley, SC
F1 category
Jan 7, 1998
12:45 PM CST
Tornado report for January 7, 1998
Coffee County · 18,218 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: The Coffee county EMA director surveyed the damage. 5 homes had some roof damage, but a brick home lost an entire roof. Some outbuildings were destroyed. There were no injuries. A woman did see a funnel before the tornado struck. Trees and power lines were down on Ragsdale Road.
NWS Tornado Report Location: E Manchester, TN
F0 category
Jan 7, 1998
10:15 AM CST
Tornado report for January 7, 1998
Okaloosa County · 64,961 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A waterspout moved onshore on Okaloosa Island and damaged a home under construction. The waterspout/tornado quickly dissipated as it moved onshore. The tornado track on the island was less than a block long. A male working on the house was injured and was briefly hospitalised.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Destin, FL
F0 category
Jan 7, 1998
1:45 AM CST
Tornado report for January 7, 1998
St. Tammany Parish · 86,959 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A tornado touched down briefly in the Ozone Woods subdivision snapping trees and downing power lines.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 W Slidell, LA
Showing 4 of 4
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 on January 7, 1998 on the Interactive Map

Report type
Hail
Wind
Tornado

Get a Remote Hail Inspection

Not sure if hail may have affected your home on January 7, 1998? Ask a local pro for a Remote Hail Inspection. They can review hail activity for your property and help you decide whether an in-person roof or exterior inspection makes sense.

Frequently asked questions

for homeowners, buyers & sellers
How many storm reports were recorded on January 7, 1998?

Our records show 1 hail, 42 wind, and 4 tornado reports on January 7, 1998, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on January 7, 1998.

What was the largest hail reported on January 7, 1998?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records on January 7, 1998 is 0.75″, reported near Sweet Water, AL.

Some reports show UNK instead of a wind speed or tornado rating — what does that mean?

Wind reports come three ways: measured from an instrument, estimated from the damage observed, or UNK when no speed was recorded. Tornadoes show UNK until the National Weather Service finishes a damage survey and assigns an EF rating. UNK simply means that value was not available when the report was filed.

A report appeared near my home on January 7, 1998 — is my roof damaged?

Not necessarily. A storm report shows that hail, wind, or a tornado was observed nearby, not that any specific home was hit. To find out whether your property was affected, check an address-level hail report, and if it looks significant, ask a local pro about a Remote Hail Inspection before scheduling roof work.

I am buying or selling a home — how do these on January 7, 1998 reports help?

If a storm passed through, a roof or exterior may have damage that is hard to see, or a recent repair may trace back to it. Buyers can ask better questions before closing, and sellers can document the home condition up front — both starting from the property address rather than a whole region.

How do I check what happened at a specific address on January 7, 1998?

Use the address search to pull a free address-level hail report for any property — 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 on January 7, 1998 across the United States, sourced from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. They show where hail, wind, or tornado activity was reported, 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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