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

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 28478

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near ZIP 28478 from August 10, 1955 through August 7, 2024, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.

Example: 55401 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code 
Hail Reports
27
Wind Reports
20
Tornado Reports
8
Max Hail Size
1.75″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  ZIP 28478 · 1955–present Updated  Daily · last Aug 7, 2024

Latest NWS Hail Reports in and near ZIP 28478

27 reports
Free hail report for your home →
1.00″ hail
Jun 20, 2020
10:37 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: 1 INCH HAIL OBSERVED ON LAMB ROAD... NEAR PENDERLEA
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 S Penderlea, NC
1.50″ hail
May 4, 2016
1:17 AM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 W Van Eden, NC
0.75″ hail
Jun 18, 2015
2:05 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail to the size of pennies was reported.
NWS Hail Report Location: .89 SE Watha, NC
1.00″ hail
Jul 1, 2012
4:25 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail to the size of quarters was reported.
NWS Hail Report Location: .72 NW Willard, NC
1.00″ hail
Apr 28, 2011
3:07 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: In the conduction of a National Weather Service Storm Survey, those interviewed stated they observed hail to the size of quarters along Highway 421.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.43 N Piney Wood, NC
0.88″ hail
Apr 20, 2009
4:32 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail up to the size of nickels was reported.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.79 NE Penderlea, NC
0.75″ hail
Jun 6, 2006
2:54 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Penny size hail fell.
NWS Hail Report Location: Watha, NC
0.88″ hail
Jun 6, 2006
12:47 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Nickel size hail covered the ground.
NWS Hail Report Location: Watha, NC
1.75″ hail
May 26, 2006
4:25 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Golfball size hail fell along Hwy 421.
NWS Hail Report Location: 8 NE Atkinson, NC
1.00″ hail
Jan 31, 2006
2:15 AM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Rocky Point fire department reported quarter size hail.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 SW Watha, NC
0.88″ hail
Jun 20, 2003
12:45 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: The Penderlea general store reported nickel size hail. A tree and large limbs were also reported down.
NWS Hail Report Location: Penderlea, NC
1.75″ hail
May 12, 2001
5:25 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Spotter reported golfball size hail.
NWS Hail Report Location: Willard, NC
1.00″ hail
Jul 22, 2000
4:00 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Deputy reported quarter size hail.
NWS Hail Report Location: Penderlea, NC
1.00″ hail
Jul 16, 2000
3:45 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Quarter size hail and numerous trees down were reported. The wind estimate is unknown.
NWS Hail Report Location: Willard, NC
1.75″ hail
Jul 16, 2000
3:40 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Golfball to as large as softball size hail fell in Penderlea. Extensive crop damage was noted, and large limbs were reported snapped off the treetops. A storm survey estimated the winds at 60 to 70 mph.
NWS Hail Report Location: Penderlea, NC
Showing 15 of 27
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 28478

20 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
UNK mph
May 30, 2017
4:10 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: 2 HOUSES WITH PARTIAL ROOF DAMAGE. TREES DOWN. COUPLE OUT-HOUSES DAMAGED.
NWS Wind Report Location: Penderlea, NC
58 mph
Aug 22, 2014
6:50 PM EST-5
Wind report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Several trees and tree limbs were knocked down and one large tree was uprooted along Shiloh Road and Lake Road. Some trees fell onto power lines. A large field of corn was also blown down.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2.91 SE Penderlea, NC
60 mph
Jun 13, 2013
7:22 PM EST-5
Wind report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A tree was reported down on a power line at the intersection of Highway 11 and Red Tip Lane. The time was estimated based on radar data.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2.26 NE Penderlea, NC
60 mph
Jul 28, 2009
3:40 PM EST-5
Wind report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A large tree was reported blocking Old Mill Road.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 NW Willard, NC
60 mph
May 4, 2009
7:59 PM EST-5
Wind report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Large tree branches were down. The branches were up to six inches in diameter. A chainsaw was required to remove them.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2.15 NNW Piney Wood, NC
58 mph
Jun 29, 2008
4:09 PM EST-5
Wind report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees were reported down across Shiloh Road. The report was relayed by the fire department.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2.41 SW Watha, NC
69 mph
Jul 11, 2003
8:45 PM EST
Wind report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Pender county electric company reported trees down in Willard. A large tree was also reported down in Watha.
NWS Wind Report Location: Willard, NC
59 mph
Apr 1, 2001
2:08 PM EST
Wind report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trained spotter in Watha reported a measured 59 mph wind gust on his home wind equipment.
NWS Wind Report Location: Watha, NC
69 mph
May 28, 2000
6:50 PM EST
Wind report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Pender 911 reported trees down on Hwy 11 in Willard.
NWS Wind Report Location: Willard, NC
62 mph
Apr 8, 2000
5:25 PM EST
Wind report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: SKYWARN observer measured a 62 mph wind gust with home equipment.
NWS Wind Report Location: Watha, NC
58 mph
Mar 16, 2000
10:13 PM EST
Wind report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trained spotter and ham radio operator measured a 58 mph wind gusts on his home weather equipment.
NWS Wind Report Location: Watha, NC
67 mph
Feb 14, 2000
5:10 AM EST
Wind report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: 68 mph tstm gust measured by skywarn observer.
NWS Wind Report Location: Watha, NC
75 mph
Jul 24, 1999
3:30 PM EST
Wind report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Thunderstorm winds downed several trees, one onto a passing vehicle along US17 near Hampstead. No injuries reported. Along with the wind, lightning was blamed for structural fires to a mobile home and to outbuildings scattered within a 7 mile radius in the western part of the county.
NWS Wind Report Location: N Willard, NC
69 mph
May 8, 1998
7:00 PM EST
Wind report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees reported downed.
NWS Wind Report Location: Penderlea, NC
74 mph
Mar 9, 1998
3:42 AM EST
Wind report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: WIND GUST REPORTED BY HAM RADIO SKYWARN IN WATHA, AND A TREE SNAPPED IN BURGAW DAMAGED A TRUCK.
NWS Wind Report Location: Watha, NC
Showing 15 of 20
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 28478

8 reports
UNK category
Aug 7, 2024
6:09 PM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 28478
Sampson County · 15,513 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: NWS survey team confirmed a tornado entered Sampson Co as a weak EF-0. It later strengthened to an EF-2 and traveled a distance of 4.6 miles and was on the ground for 11 minutes. The peak width of the tornado was 40 yards.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 4 SE Harrells, NC
EF0 category
Apr 28, 2011
3:38 PM EST-5
Tornado report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A National Weather Service Storm Survey Team concluded an EF0 tornado touched down near Willard in northern Pender County, North Carolina. The maximum wind speed was estimated to 80 mph. The path length was near a quarter of a mile and the maximum path width was 30 yards. The tornado touched down near a turkey farm near Meadow Beauty Road. The tornado slammed into one of the turkey houses causing significant damage and killing several turkeys. The tornado lifted northeast of the turkey farm and prior to reaching a stand of trees.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1.66 WSW Willard, NC
EF1 category
Apr 28, 2011
3:29 PM EST-5
Tornado report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A National Weather Service Storm Survey Team concluded a tornado touched down 5 miles west-southwest of Watha in Pender County, North Carolina. The maximum wind speed was estimated to 90 mph. The path length was just over three miles and the maximum path width was 60 yards. The tornado first touched down near the fish hatchery on the south side of Shiloh Road. As the tornado moved across Shiloh Road, it uprooted and snapped several dozen trees. Several large trees fell across houses causing roof damage. Other houses suffered minor roof, soffit and siding damage. The damage was rated EF1 in this area with winds to 90 mph. The tornado continued to the northeast and weakened, but did damage the roof of another house on Shiloh Road. The tornado continued to the northeast, crossing Penderlea Highway where it did substantial damage to a large storage building, uprooted several trees and ripped the top off a grain silo. The tornado finally lifted northeast of Penderlea Highway.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2.94 NE Piney Wood, NC
F0 category
May 27, 2003
1:37 PM EST
Tornado report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A NWS storm survey determined an F0 tornado touched down 4 miles west of the town of Watha. It snapped 12-15 pine trees up to 18 inches in diameter. One tree hit the side of a house, with minor damage. The tornado complete destroyed a shed in this area. Moving southeast, the tornado snapped six small pine trees, and a wood fence was blown over. More damaged was observed east-southeast of the previous damage, where a barn roof was blown off, and debris was strewn east approximately 100 yards. The minimal tornado then turned on a more east-northeast path, with damage observed east of Watha. Two large trees were uprooted, and a brick chimney was toppled. Eyewitness accounts reported strong rotation in the clouds, just off the ground. The damage path ended 3.5 miles east of Watha, where a couple dozen pine and hardwood trees were snapped, 10-40 feet above the ground.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 4 W Watha, NC
F0 category
Oct 26, 1997
4:45 PM EST
Tornado report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Penderlea, NC
F2 category
Jul 15, 1965
3:00 PM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 28478
Duplin County · 14,264 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, NC
F1 category
Feb 18, 1960
12:30 PM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 28478
Duplin County · 14,264 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, NC
F1 category
Aug 10, 1955
5:30 PM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 28478
Pender County · 21,766 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 28478 on the Interactive Map

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NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · ZIP Code

ZIP 28478 area census snapshot

People & households
Population4,591
Households2,043
Housing units2,317
Income
Median household income$64,830
$100k+ households39.6%
$150k+ households9.6%
Housing stock
Single-family detached1,635
Attached single-family0
Small multifamily0
Large multifamily26
Mobile homes656
Housing mix
Single-family share70.6%
Attached-home share--
Multifamily share1.1%
Mobile-home share28.3%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied1,791
Renter-occupied252
Vacant units274
Home value & age
Median home value$168,700
Owner homes $300k+19.2%
Owner homes $500k+7.2%
Owner homes $750k+--
Median year built1987
Older-home share45.1%
Vehicle context
Households with cars1,982
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 28478 have on record?

Our records show 27 hail, 20 wind, and 8 tornado reports in and near ZIP 28478, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on August 7, 2024.

What is the largest hail ever reported in ZIP 28478?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in and near ZIP 28478 is 1.75″. It was reported near Atkinson, NC on May 26, 2006.

A storm report showed up near my home in ZIP 28478 — 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 28478 and ask about a Remote Hail Inspection before anyone climbs on the roof.

I am buying a home in ZIP 28478 — 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 28478 address before closing helps you ask informed questions about roof age, past repairs, and any prior claims.

I am selling a home in ZIP 28478 — 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 28478 address?

Use the address search to pull a free address-level hail report for any property in ZIP 28478 — 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 28478, sourced from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. They show where hail, wind, or tornado activity was reported in ZIP 28478, 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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