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

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 28403

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near ZIP 28403 from April 9, 1961 through September 27, 2024, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.

Example: 28403 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code 
Hail Reports
21
Wind Reports
28
Tornado Reports
8
Max Hail Size
1.75″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  ZIP 28403 · 1961–present Updated  Daily · last Sep 27, 2024

Latest NWS Hail Reports in and near ZIP 28403

21 reports
Free hail report for your home →
1.00″ hail
Jul 28, 2014
5:00 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail to the size of quarters was reported at the Golden Corral Restaurant on New Centre Drive.
NWS Hail Report Location: .95 SSE Fernside, NC
0.88″ hail
Jun 22, 2008
2:25 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail up to the size of nickels partially covered the ground.
NWS Hail Report Location: N East Wilmington, NC
1.00″ hail
Mar 15, 2008
6:50 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Quarter size hail was reported on Front Street.
NWS Hail Report Location: N Wilmington, NC
1.00″ hail
Feb 19, 1999
4:15 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail reported on Shipyard Blvd and South College Rd.
NWS Hail Report Location: Wilmington, NC
0.75″ hail
May 17, 1998
5:05 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Reported in North Chase subdivision.
NWS Hail Report Location: Wilmington, NC
1.00″ hail
May 17, 1998
2:25 AM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: With wind gust estimation of 60 mph, there were many reports of hail from downtown to North Chase subdivision.
NWS Hail Report Location: Wilmington, NC
1.25″ hail
May 8, 1998
7:19 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Wind gust reported 62 mph at N.C. State Port, causing damage to cranes. Trees were reported downed in Windward Oaks subdivision. Hail swath extended to Long Leaf Mall on N.C. 132.
NWS Hail Report Location: Wilmington, NC
1.25″ hail
May 4, 1998
5:25 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Wilmington, NC
1.00″ hail
Aug 18, 1997
3:53 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: 1 inch hail reported by the public in the Green field lake area.
NWS Hail Report Location: Wilmington, NC
0.88″ hail
Jul 18, 1997
2:07 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: East Wilmington, NC
1.00″ hail
Jun 13, 1996
2:50 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: East Wilmington, NC
0.75″ hail
Jun 13, 1996
2:48 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: East Wilmington, NC
0.75″ hail
Jun 13, 1996
2:44 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Wilmington, NC
0.75″ hail
May 6, 1996
5:58 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Wilmington, NC
1.00″ hail
Apr 1, 1996
2:11 AM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Wilmington, NC
Showing 15 of 21
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 28403

28 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
UNK mph
Sep 27, 2024
5:00 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees down behind condo at Moss Vine Pl.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NNW Seagate, NC
UNK mph
Jan 10, 2024
12:25 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree down blocking Rogersville Rd. near intersection with Telephone Rd. Time estimated based on radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 SSE Windemere, NC
UNK mph
Feb 7, 2020
5:30 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A FEW POWER LINES AND STOP LIGHTS DOWN. ALSO A TREE ON A HOUSE IN THE HILLSDALE AREA. TIME ESTIMATED BY RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 WSW Windemere, NC
UNK mph
Jul 3, 2019
5:09 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: LARGE TREE DOWN AT THE 3900 BLOCK OF PEACHTREE AVE.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 ENE Wilmington, NC
UNK mph
Dec 20, 2018
10:15 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: POWER POLE SNAPPED IN TWO AT CORNER OF BETHEL AND AMBER.
NWS Wind Report Location: Wilmington, NC
UNK mph
Jul 23, 2018
5:08 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: CENTER RECEIVED A CALL OF WIRES DOWN AT THE INTERSECTION OF CASTLE ST. AND 18TH ST. IN WILMINGTON. TIME WAS ESTIMATED BY RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NW Wilmington, NC
90 mph
Jul 23, 2015
4:14 PM EST-5
Wind report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A survey conducted by the National Weather Service concluded a microburst with winds up to 90 mph produced considerable damage in Wilmington, North Carolina. The damage path began on the premises of Colonial Parke Apartments on Hunt Club Road. A two foot diameter tree was uprooted and crashed through the roof and window of a second story apartment causing severe damage. Three other apartments in the complex sustained damage. The damage path continued across Market Street to just northeast of the Market Street and North College Road intersection. Numerous branches from 6 to 10 inches in diameter were broken from trees. A couple stores within a shopping center sustained damage to include ceiling tiles, windows and store merchandise. As the microburst crossed Market Street, it lifted a large rooftop HVAC unit from Bonefish Grill and deposited it 30 yards away. The HVAC unit landed inside a neighboring storage unit facility after breaking down a garage door. Damage continued east along Market Street to just beyond North College Road where a small portion of the roof of Builders First Source was lifted off. Several buildings along the path of this microburst sustained damage ranging from minor shingle loss to partial roof loss. Most of the damage was consistent with 75 to 80 mph wind speeds, however the HVAC damage was consistent with a maximum wind speed of 90 mph. The path length was about eight-tenths of a mile and the maximum path width was 200 yards. There were no reports of injury or death although some people did have to seek safe shelter as the severe winds hit. More than 3000 people were briefly without electricity.
NWS Wind Report Location: .66 S Fernside, NC
64 mph
Jun 18, 2015
5:15 PM EST-5
Wind report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A three foot diameter oak tree was toppled onto a house.
NWS Wind Report Location: .67 N Seagate, NC
58 mph
Jun 29, 2011
4:14 PM EST-5
Wind report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A tree was reported down along Park Avenue.
NWS Wind Report Location: .68 SSW Seagate, NC
58 mph
Jun 29, 2011
4:09 PM EST-5
Wind report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A large tree was reported down near the 5600 block of Oleander Drive. The time was estimated based on radar data.
NWS Wind Report Location: .8 S Seagate, NC
62 mph
Jun 29, 2011
4:00 PM EST-5
Wind report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A tree was reported down near the intersection of Wrightsville Avenue and Oleander Drive. The time was estimated based on radar data.
NWS Wind Report Location: .15 WSW Airlee, NC
60 mph
Jun 22, 2008
2:30 PM EST-5
Wind report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A large tree fell onto a new car on Lullwater Drive. The car reportedly sustained some damage, but no estimate was given.
NWS Wind Report Location: .86 S Fernside, NC
92 mph
Sep 8, 1998
3:25 PM EST
Wind report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: As a cold front moved through the area, hail was reported in the northern part of the county, and a thunderstorm microburst lifted roofing from 3 buildings near the corner of Oleander and College.Funnel cloud sightings were reported at the damage site and at the NC State Port.
NWS Wind Report Location: Wilmington, NC
69 mph
Jun 17, 1998
2:10 AM EST
Wind report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Wilmington, NC
69 mph
May 7, 1998
11:30 PM EST
Wind report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: N.C. State Port guard reported wind gust.
NWS Wind Report Location: Wilmington, NC
Showing 15 of 28
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 28403

8 reports
UNK category
Sep 18, 2020
1:28 AM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: AN EF0 TORNADO WITH WINDS UP TO 70 MPH SKIPPED ACROSS THE CLEAR RUN AND CAMPUS EDGE APARTMENTS... TOUCHING DOWN TWICE AND DAMAGING ROOFS. WIDTH WAS 20 YARDS AND PATH LENGTH WAS 0.15 MILES.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 WSW Windemere, NC
UNK category
Sep 7, 2019
10:17 AM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A WEAK TORNADO (EF-0 65 MPH) TORNADO OCCURRED CAUSING MAINLY MINOR DAMAGE ALONG A TRACK FROM NEAR WRIGHTSVILLE AVE TO THE BURNT MILL CREEK AREA. THE TORNADO CAUSED MINOR TREE DAMAGE AS IT LIFTED JUST NORTH OF THE WILMINGTON NATIONAL CEMETARY.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 N Wilmington, NC
UNK category
Sep 5, 2019
10:15 AM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: NWS EMPLOYEE REPORTED TREE SNAPPED ON WRIGHTSVILLE AVE NEAR EISENHOWER AVE EARLIER THIS MORNING.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 NE Wilmington, NC
F1 category
Jun 19, 1998
6:20 PM EST
Tornado report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Wilmington, NC
F1 category
May 23, 1998
2:15 PM EST
Tornado report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Tornado touchdown occurred on U.S. 421, and proceeded about 1.5 miles SE to Monkey Junction at N.C. 132. Damage was spotty. A 30 foot camper trailer was tossed 150 feet into a vacant mobile home, destroying both. Roofing from another building broke through a windshield, injuring a woman. The Myrtle Grove fire house lost it's antenna tower.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Wilmington, NC
F1 category
May 7, 1998
10:48 PM EST
Tornado report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Tornado touchdown in Gordon Woods Subdivision downed trees and damaged homes. Spotty path of downed trees crossed U.S. 17 at Alexander Rd ended before reaching Porters Neck Subdivision.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Wilmington, NC
F1 category
Jan 8, 1998
9:01 AM EST
Tornado report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A GUSTNADO INDUCED BY MICROBURST, TOSSED A STATION WAGON 100FT, TIPPED A TRUCK ON IT'S SIDE A DAMAGED A CONVENIENCE STORE AND A MANUFACTURING PLANT ON 23RD STREET.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Wilmington, NC
F0 category
Jul 16, 1991
10:27 AM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 28403
New Hanover County · 71,470 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, NC
Showing 8 of 8
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 28403 on the Interactive Map

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NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · ZIP Code

ZIP 28403 area census snapshot

People & households
Population40,292
Households18,610
Housing units20,424
Income
Median household income$50,988
$100k+ households28.9%
$150k+ households9.7%
Housing stock
Single-family detached7,805
Attached single-family1,661
Small multifamily4,538
Large multifamily6,150
Mobile homes270
Housing mix
Single-family share38.2%
Attached-home share8.1%
Multifamily share52.3%
Mobile-home share1.3%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied6,617
Renter-occupied11,993
Vacant units1,814
Home value & age
Median home value$337,600
Owner homes $300k+57.1%
Owner homes $500k+27.1%
Owner homes $750k+8.9%
Median year built1987
Older-home share36.2%
Vehicle context
Households with cars17,027
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 28403 have on record?

Our records show 21 hail, 28 wind, and 8 tornado reports in and near ZIP 28403, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on September 27, 2024.

What is the largest hail ever reported in ZIP 28403?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in and near ZIP 28403 is 1.75″. It was reported near Wilmington, NC on July 15, 1987.

A storm report showed up near my home in ZIP 28403 — 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 28403 and ask about a Remote Hail Inspection before anyone climbs on the roof.

I am buying a home in ZIP 28403 — 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 28403 address before closing helps you ask informed questions about roof age, past repairs, and any prior claims.

I am selling a home in ZIP 28403 — 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 28403 address?

Use the address search to pull a free address-level hail report for any property in ZIP 28403 — 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 28403, sourced from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. They show where hail, wind, or tornado activity was reported in ZIP 28403, 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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