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

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 27542

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near ZIP 27542 from August 10, 1986 through September 5, 2026, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.

Example: 27542 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code 
Hail Reports
11
Wind Reports
29
Tornado Reports
4
Max Hail Size
1.75″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  ZIP 27542 · 1986–present Updated  Daily · last Sep 5, 2026

Latest NWS Hail Reports in and near ZIP 27542

11 reports
Free hail report for your home →
1.00″ hail
Mar 27, 2021
10:43 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 27542
Johnston County · 66,390 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: SKYWARN OBSERVER REPORTED QUARTER SIZE HAIL NEAR KENLY... NC.
NWS Hail Report Location: Kenly, NC
1.50″ hail
May 3, 2016
11:10 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 27542
Johnston County · 66,390 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Kenly, NC
1.00″ hail
Aug 22, 2013
7:35 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 27542
Johnston County · 66,390 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Quarter sized hail shredded tobacco plants near Old Beulah Road.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2.07 N Micro, NC
1.75″ hail
Aug 2, 2012
12:48 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 27542
Johnston County · 66,390 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail up to the size of golf balls was reported near Kenly and fell for at least 15 minutes.
NWS Hail Report Location: .89 SE Kenly, NC
0.75″ hail
Jul 25, 2009
5:55 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 27542
Wilson County · 23,176 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 5.56 S Buckhorn Xrds, NC
0.75″ hail
May 29, 2009
5:57 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 27542
Johnston County · 66,390 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: The Kenly Fire Department reported penny sized hail in the town of Kenly.
NWS Hail Report Location: .89 SE Kenly, NC
0.75″ hail
Jul 12, 2005
1:45 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 27542
Wilson County · 23,176 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Dime to penny size hail was reported near the intersection of State Route 581 and Harrell Store Road.
NWS Hail Report Location: 5 SW Lucama, NC
1.00″ hail
May 1, 1997
6:07 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 27542
Johnston County · 66,390 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Kenly, NC
1.00″ hail
Apr 21, 1997
10:53 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 27542
Johnston County · 66,390 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Kenly, NC
UNK hail
May 29, 1996
7:05 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 27542
Johnston County · 66,390 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Kenly, NC
0.75″ hail
May 3, 1987
4:50 PM CST
Hail report for ZIP 27542
Johnston County · 66,390 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Not provided, NC
Showing 11 of 11
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 27542

29 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
UNK mph
Sep 5, 2026
8:15 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 27542
Johnston County · 66,390 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 N Micro, NC
UNK mph
Jun 27, 2026
7:59 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 27542
Wilson County · 23,176 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree down near the 8500 block of Watson Grove Road.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 NNE Kenly, NC
UNK mph
Mar 5, 2025
6:50 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 27542
Johnston County · 66,390 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Duke energy reported outage caused by fallen trees or limbs damaging equipment.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 ENE Micro, NC
UNK mph
Aug 18, 2024
11:11 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 27542
Johnston County · 66,390 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree down in Kenly... NC.
NWS Wind Report Location: Kenly, NC
UNK mph
Aug 15, 2023
9:02 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 27542
Johnston County · 66,390 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree down near the intersection of Old Beulah Road and Woodruff Road. Time estimated by radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 N Micro, NC
UNK mph
Apr 30, 2023
6:59 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 27542
Wilson County · 23,176 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: SEVERAL TREES AND POWERLINES DOWN ALONG UPPER BLACK CREEK CHURCH ROAD SOUTH OF HARRELL STORE ROAD.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 SW Lucama, NC
UNK mph
Apr 30, 2023
6:56 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 27542
Wilson County · 23,176 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: NUMEROUS TREES AND POWER LINES DOWN NEAR FRANK RD AND KIRBY RD. TIME ESTIMATED BASED ON RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 E Kenly, NC
UNK mph
Apr 30, 2023
6:54 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 27542
Wilson County · 23,176 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: AN OUTBUILDING DESTROYED AND DAMAGE TO A RESIDENCE... IN ADDITION TO MULTIPLE TREES DOWN ALONG FRANK ROAD NEAR NC-581. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 E Kenly, NC
UNK mph
Jul 7, 2022
10:25 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 27542
Wilson County · 23,176 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: MULTIPLE TREES DOWN NEAR THE BUCKHORN RESERVOIR. TIME ESTIMATED BY RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 6 SW Sims, NC
UNK mph
Aug 20, 2021
9:02 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 27542
Wilson County · 23,176 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: ONE TREE WAS REPORTED DOWN NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF US HIGHWAY 301 S AND BLACK WALNUT RD. TIME ESTIMATED BY RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NE Kenly, NC
UNK mph
Jul 28, 2021
9:05 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 27542
Johnston County · 66,390 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: MULTIPLE TREES REPORTED DOWN ON ROUTE 22 IN KENLY.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 WNW Kenly, NC
UNK mph
May 31, 2019
11:20 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 27542
Wilson County · 23,176 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: TREE DOWN ON NC 42.
NWS Wind Report Location: 6 N Kenly, NC
UNK mph
Apr 28, 2016
10:35 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 27542
Johnston County · 66,390 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: TREES DOWN AND RESULTING POWER OUTAGES.
NWS Wind Report Location: 5 SSE Emit, NC
58 mph
Jun 25, 2013
2:40 PM EST-5
Wind report for ZIP 27542
Wilson County · 23,176 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: One tree was blown down on St. Marys Church Road in Kenly.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4.84 S Buckhorn Xrds, NC
58 mph
Aug 2, 2012
12:52 PM EST-5
Wind report for ZIP 27542
Johnston County · 66,390 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Several reports of wind damage were received along a swath about 4 miles long south of Kenly. Shutters were blown off of one home and two 100 year old oak trees snapped and fell on vehicles and fences.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1.38 S Kenly, NC
Showing 15 of 29
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 27542

4 reports
EF2 category
May 5, 2009
3:44 PM EST-5
Tornado report for ZIP 27542
Wilson County · 23,176 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: At the intersection of North Carolina highway 581 and North Carolina Highway 42 at Buckhorn Crossroads and EF-0 tornado touched down at 3:44 EST and tracked off to the northeast. At Buckhorn Crossroads several trees were snapped off and shingles blown off a house.||As the tornado moved to the northeast it tracked into a wooded area and began to intensive. It emerged from the wooded area just to the southwest of the intersection of Sadie Road and Rock Ridge School Road, into the Rock Ridge area, at 4:50 PM and had strengthen to an EF-2. At that time, peak winds were estimated at 120 to 135 mph with a path width of 100 yards. The first home that was damage to the southwest of the aforementioned intersection was a well built brick home that sustained roof and some structural damage. The carport attached to this house was destroyed as well. The tornado continued to track to the northeast uprooting and snapping off numerous hardwood trees, before crossing Sadie Road, just south of Rock Ridge School Road. In this area, the tornado caused significant roof and structural damage to two well built homes. Two garages where destroyed as well, one attached and one external. Other homes in the area sustained damage and downed trees as well. In all, eight house in the Rock Ridge area received some damage and downed trees.||The tornado then crossed Rock Ridge School Road and continued to track off to the northeast into a field and eventually a wooded area where the tornado lifted.
NWS Tornado Report Location: .69 E Buckhorn Xrds, NC
EF2 category
Nov 15, 2008
3:12 AM EST-5
Tornado report for ZIP 27542
Wilson County · 23,176 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: The tornado initially touched down around just north of Piney Grove Church Road, and damage was limited to minor tree and structural damage. The tornado then tracked northeast, over bare fields and stands of mature trees for approximately three quarters of a mile, twisting off mature trees, before producing significant damage at the intersection of NC Hwy 222 and Crumpler Road. The strongest evidence of EF-2 damage was at this intersection, where a well-constructed single level brick home was destroyed. The entire roof was blown off this home, a large pine tree fell through the kitchen. All of the walls on the west side of the house were missing. In addition, one vehicle was flipped upside down and another, with an attached trailer, was moved approximately 30 feet down the home���s driveway. The family of 4 was awakened as the damage occurred, but by great fortune, none sustained any injury. | As the tornado crossed Scott Road, a double-wide mobile home was removed from its foundation and flipped approximately 50 feet. A 61 year old female occupant of this mobile home was killed, while her husband was transported to a medical facility. In addition, three other double-wide mobile homes were condemned as they sustained significant structural damage to roofs and southwest-facing exterior walls. A pickup truck was completely overturned in one of the driveways. | Continuing northeast, the tornado moved across the Kenly International Airport. The tornado was likely aloft at this point, producing EF-1 damage to trees, but there was considerable debris from the homes on Scott Road strewn about the airport grounds. A portion of an open aircraft hangar constructed of sheet tin over a wooden frame was twisted and destroyed. There was also some damage to the Cessna 150 housed in this hangar. | The tornado then crossed into southwest Wilson county causing damage to several mobile homes along Fabwhitley Road. Several other homes in the Lucama area suffered minor damage from the strong winds. The tornado finally lifted off the ground just north of Newsom Mill Road near a local racetrack.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1.9 ESE Kenly, NC
EF2 category
Nov 15, 2008
3:10 AM EST-5
Tornado report for ZIP 27542
Johnston County · 66,390 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: The tornado initially touched down around just north of Piney Grove Church Road, and damage was limited to minor tree and structural damage. The tornado then tracked northeast, over bare fields and stands of mature trees for approximately three quarters of a mile, twisting off mature trees, before producing significant damage at the intersection of NC Hwy 222 and Crumpler Road. The strongest evidence of EF-2 damage was at this intersection, where a well-constructed single level brick home was destroyed. The entire roof was blown off this home, a large pine tree fell through the kitchen. All of the walls on the west side of the house were missing. In addition, one vehicle was flipped upside down and another, with an attached trailer, was moved approximately 30 feet down the home���s driveway. The family of 4 was awakened as the damage occurred, but by great fortune, none sustained any injury. | As the tornado crossed Scott Road, a double-wide mobile home was removed from its foundation and flipped approximately 50 feet. A 61 year old female occupant of this mobile home was killed, while her husband was transported to a medical facility. In addition, three other double-wide mobile homes were condemned as they sustained significant structural damage to roofs and southwest-facing exterior walls. A pickup truck was completely overturned in one of the driveways. | Continuing northeast, the tornado moved across the Kenly International Airport. The tornado was likely aloft at this point, producing EF-1 damage to trees, but there was considerable debris from the homes on Scott Road strewn about the airport grounds. A portion of an open aircraft hangar constructed of sheet tin over a wooden frame was twisted and destroyed. There was also some damage to the Cessna 150 housed in this hangar. | The tornado then crossed into southwest Wilson county causing damage to several mobile homes along Fabwhitley Road. Several other homes in the Lucama area suffered minor damage from the strong winds. The tornado finally lifted off the ground just north of Newsom Mill Road near a local racetrack.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1.72 SSE Kenly, NC
F1 category
Oct 11, 2002
1:05 AM EST
Tornado report for ZIP 27542
Johnston County · 66,390 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A tornado touched down just west of Kenly, causing F0 to strong F1 damage. It began near J. Howell Road and Old Highway 222, causing minor damage to a hog farm. The worst damage was along Bunn Road where 4 mobile homes were damaged, one of which was overturned and totally destroyed. The other mobile homes sustained projectile damage, and a roof was blown off a barn. The tornado traveled northeast and severely damaged a home on highway 222, collapsing the rear wall of the house. The damage path ended near the Wilson County border.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 W Kenly, NC
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 in and near ZIP 27542 on the Interactive Map

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NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · ZIP Code

ZIP 27542 area census snapshot

People & households
Population9,441
Households3,879
Housing units4,307
Income
Median household income$56,157
$100k+ households35.4%
$150k+ households14.5%
Housing stock
Single-family detached2,800
Attached single-family28
Small multifamily159
Large multifamily5
Mobile homes1,315
Housing mix
Single-family share65.0%
Attached-home share0.7%
Multifamily share3.8%
Mobile-home share30.5%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied2,771
Renter-occupied1,108
Vacant units428
Home value & age
Median home value$180,800
Owner homes $300k+17.8%
Owner homes $500k+2.8%
Owner homes $750k+2.5%
Median year built1988
Older-home share43.0%
Vehicle context
Households with cars3,661
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 27542 have on record?

Our records show 11 hail, 29 wind, and 4 tornado reports in and near ZIP 27542, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on September 5, 2026.

What is the largest hail ever reported in ZIP 27542?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in and near ZIP 27542 is 1.75″. It was reported near .89 SE Kenly, NC on August 2, 2012.

A storm report showed up near my home in ZIP 27542 — 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 27542 and ask about a Remote Hail Inspection before anyone climbs on the roof.

I am buying a home in ZIP 27542 — 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 27542 address before closing helps you ask informed questions about roof age, past repairs, and any prior claims.

I am selling a home in ZIP 27542 — 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 27542 address?

Use the address search to pull a free address-level hail report for any property in ZIP 27542 — 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 27542, sourced from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. They show where hail, wind, or tornado activity was reported in ZIP 27542, 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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