ATTENTION! Damaging hail detected. Hail tracking is now active for this region: Champaign, IL      
HailGeeks
NOAA/NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER REPORTS + U.S. CENSUS DATA

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 28734

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near ZIP 28734 from January 25, 1975 through August 18, 2026, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.

Example: 28734 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code 
Hail Reports
39
Wind Reports
68
Tornado Reports
3
Max Hail Size
2.75″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  ZIP 28734 · 1975–present Updated  Daily · last Aug 18, 2026

Latest NWS Hail Reports in and near ZIP 28734

39 reports
Free hail report for your home →
1.00″ hail
May 26, 2024
10:35 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Dime to quarter size hail fell at a campground on W Old Murphy Rd near Hwy 64.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 NE Rainbow Springs, NC
1.50″ hail
Jun 19, 2014
2:25 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Forest Service ranger reported ping pong ball size hail in the Cartoogechaye area.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.7 W Teresita, NC
0.75″ hail
Jun 18, 2014
12:00 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Spotter reported hail near Franklin.
NWS Hail Report Location: N Franklin, NC
0.88″ hail
May 22, 2013
2:16 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: .69 S Franklin Arpt, NC
1.00″ hail
May 20, 2013
5:30 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail up to the size of half dollars was reported.
NWS Hail Report Location: N Ellijay, NC
1.00″ hail
Apr 26, 2012
5:02 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: A CoCoRaHS observer reported a second period of quarter size hail 7 miles east of Franklin.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.83 ESE Ellnay, NC
1.00″ hail
Apr 26, 2012
4:43 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Quarter size hail was measured about 7 miles east of Franklin.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.83 ESE Ellnay, NC
1.00″ hail
Apr 26, 2012
4:25 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 4.5 NNW Franklin, NC
0.75″ hail
Apr 26, 2012
8:00 AM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.78 SE Franklin, NC
0.75″ hail
Apr 5, 2012
12:40 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Pea to penny size hail fell east of Franklin.
NWS Hail Report Location: .56 W Higdonville, NC
2.00″ hail
Mar 2, 2012
8:57 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail between golf ball and baseball size was reported in the Cullasaja area.
NWS Hail Report Location: .69 S Ellnay, NC
1.75″ hail
Mar 2, 2012
8:45 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail up to the size of golf balls was reported on the north side of Franklin.
NWS Hail Report Location: .69 S Franklin Arpt, NC
0.88″ hail
Jun 2, 2011
4:45 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: .89 SW Otto, NC
1.00″ hail
May 26, 2011
4:50 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.78 SE Ellnay, NC
1.00″ hail
May 26, 2011
4:35 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: .69 S Prentiss, NC
Showing 15 of 39
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 28734

68 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
UNK mph
Aug 18, 2026
11:25 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree and/or utility line damage leading to power outages along Old Murphy Rd.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 Wsw Franklin, NC
UNK mph
Aug 17, 2026
11:29 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Report of power lines down due to fallen trees.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 Ese Franklin, NC
UNK mph
Aug 17, 2026
11:25 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Corrects previous tstm wnd dmg report from 4 WSW Franklin. Tree and/or utility line damage leading to power outages along Old Murphy Rd.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 Wsw Franklin, NC
UNK mph
Jul 28, 2026
11:15 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Social media reported trees and lines downed in the Ellijay area.
NWS Wind Report Location: 6 E Franklin, NC
UNK mph
Jul 3, 2026
7:15 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Social media report of tree down at intersection of Wide Horizon Dr and Hwy 441. Time estimated.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 SSW Franklin, NC
UNK mph
Jul 3, 2026
7:00 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Social media report of trees down on Lower Burningtown Rd.
NWS Wind Report Location: 5 NW Franklin, NC
UNK mph
Mar 16, 2026
10:00 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Utility line damage along Jacobs Bridge Rd.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 NW Franklin, NC
UNK mph
Jul 5, 2024
8:04 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree down on Tessentee Rd. Time estimated.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 ENE Otto, NC
UNK mph
May 27, 2024
10:05 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A couple of trees blown down in the roadway along with a few power lines.
NWS Wind Report Location: 5 SW Franklin, NC
UNK mph
Sep 7, 2023
10:32 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A few trees and power lines down in Franklin.
NWS Wind Report Location: Franklin, NC
UNK mph
Aug 12, 2023
7:23 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree down along Hwy 28 in the Cowee area.
NWS Wind Report Location: 6 NNW Franklin, NC
UNK mph
Aug 7, 2023
7:49 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Several trees down around Franklin... including one that grazed a house on Rolling Hills Dr.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 ENE Franklin, NC
UNK mph
Jul 19, 2023
3:40 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Reports of a few trees down across the county from near Franklin to Highlands.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 N Otto, NC
UNK mph
Jul 2, 2023
11:50 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Corrects previous tstm wnd dmg report from 5 NNE Otto. Trees down on roadway.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 NNE Otto, NC
UNK mph
Jul 2, 2023
11:50 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees down on roadway.
NWS Wind Report Location: 5 NNE Otto, NC
Showing 15 of 68
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 28734

3 reports
F1 category
Aug 30, 2005
8:30 PM EST
Tornado report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: 30 to 40 trees down in the area around Old Murphy Rd near Standing Indian Campground.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 10 SW Franklin, NC
F1 category
Jul 29, 1976
4:00 PM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, NC
F1 category
Feb 18, 1976
12:45 PM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 28734
Macon County · 20,282 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, NC
Showing 3 of 3
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 28734 on the Interactive Map

Report type
Hail
Wind
Tornado

Get a free hail report for your address

Address-level hail history. 100% free. No phone or email required.

Look up your address →

NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · ZIP Code

ZIP 28734 area census snapshot

People & households
Population29,158
Households13,923
Housing units18,472
Income
Median household income$50,221
$100k+ households28.9%
$150k+ households8.7%
Housing stock
Single-family detached13,116
Attached single-family305
Small multifamily894
Large multifamily440
Mobile homes3,624
Housing mix
Single-family share71%
Attached-home share1.7%
Multifamily share7.2%
Mobile-home share19.6%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied10,665
Renter-occupied3,258
Vacant units4,549
Home value & age
Median home value$203,700
Owner homes $300k+28.8%
Owner homes $500k+7.5%
Owner homes $750k+3.0%
Median year built1988
Older-home share35.2%
Vehicle context
Households with cars13,100
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 28734 have on record?

Our records show 39 hail, 68 wind, and 3 tornado reports in and near ZIP 28734, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on August 18, 2026.

What is the largest hail ever reported in ZIP 28734?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in and near ZIP 28734 is 2.75″. It was reported near Franklin, NC on March 28, 1984.

A storm report showed up near my home in ZIP 28734 — 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 28734 and ask about a Remote Hail Inspection before anyone climbs on the roof.

I am buying a home in ZIP 28734 — 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 28734 address before closing helps you ask informed questions about roof age, past repairs, and any prior claims.

I am selling a home in ZIP 28734 — 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 28734 address?

Use the address search to pull a free address-level hail report for any property in ZIP 28734 — 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 28734, sourced from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. They show where hail, wind, or tornado activity was reported in ZIP 28734, 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.

Free Hail Report By Address

Check Your Address in Seconds

Free hail report for any address in the contiguous U.S.

Get a Free Hail Report

100% free. No phone or email required.