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

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 28779

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near ZIP 28779 from June 7, 1971 through August 17, 2026, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.

Example: 28779 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code 
Hail Reports
16
Wind Reports
44
Tornado Reports
2
Max Hail Size
1.75″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  ZIP 28779 · 1971–present Updated  Daily · last Aug 17, 2026

Latest NWS Hail Reports in and near ZIP 28779

16 reports
Free hail report for your home →
1.00″ hail
May 17, 2025
9:00 AM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 E Webster, NC
1.00″ hail
Jul 8, 2016
11:55 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: N Sylva, NC
1.00″ hail
Jul 5, 2012
5:04 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: .89 SW Willits, NC
1.00″ hail
Jun 8, 2011
1:34 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.13 E Webster, NC
0.75″ hail
Jun 8, 2011
1:16 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: .69 N Cullowhee, NC
0.75″ hail
May 16, 2009
6:25 PM EST-5
Hail report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail was reported on the northwest side of town.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.64 NE Dillsboro, NC
0.75″ hail
May 30, 2006
4:55 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail reported in the Balsam area.
NWS Hail Report Location: 6 E Sylva, NC
0.88″ hail
Apr 12, 2005
8:55 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sylva, NC
0.75″ hail
Aug 26, 2003
4:35 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sylva, NC
0.75″ hail
Apr 30, 2003
3:52 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 5 NE Sylva, NC
1.00″ hail
Jun 4, 2002
3:00 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Balsam, NC
1.00″ hail
May 27, 1998
12:30 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sylva, NC
1.00″ hail
Apr 16, 1998
6:50 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Balsam, NC
1.75″ hail
May 24, 1996
6:35 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sylva, NC
1.75″ hail
May 24, 1996
6:26 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Savannah, NC
Showing 15 of 16
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 28779

44 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
UNK mph
Aug 17, 2026
11:05 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Report of power lines down due to fallen trees.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 Sw Webster, NC
UNK mph
Jul 31, 2025
9:30 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree fell on a house on Chickadee Lane in Savannah community. First responders indicated multiple trees down in vicinity. Time approximate. Report submitted via X.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 NE Gay, NC
UNK mph
May 17, 2025
9:01 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree on house.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 E Webster, NC
UNK mph
Jun 6, 2024
9:15 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Several trees down.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 NNE Sylva, NC
UNK mph
May 9, 2024
4:13 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees down on power lines and utility equipment in Sylva.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sylva, NC
UNK mph
May 9, 2024
4:17 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees down on power lines and utility equipment between Sylva and Cullowhee.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 NW Cullowhee, NC
UNK mph
May 9, 2024
4:13 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Corrects time of previous tstm wnd dmg report from Sylva. Trees down on power lines and utility equipment in Sylva.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sylva, NC
UNK mph
May 9, 2024
4:11 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Multiple trees down on power lines along Hwy 441 between Sylva and Franklin.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 SW Gay, NC
UNK mph
Aug 7, 2023
7:25 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree down in Savannah community.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 NNE Gay, NC
UNK mph
Jan 11, 2020
11:22 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: NUMEROUS TREES AND POWER LINES WERE BROUGHT DOWN BY STORM WINDS AND A FEW TREES FELL ON BUILDINGS. LINGERING POWER OUTAGES STILL IN EFFECT SUNDAY MORNING IN JACKSON COUNTY.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sylva, NC
UNK mph
Jun 25, 2018
8:24 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: COUNTY REPORTS NUMEROUS TREES DOWN ACROSS THE NORTHERN PART OF THE COUNTY.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sylva, NC
UNK mph
May 28, 2017
3:55 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: COUNTY 911 REPORTS DOWNED TREES ALL AROUND THE COUNTY.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sylva, NC
UNK mph
May 28, 2017
3:40 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: COUNTY 911 REPORTS DOWNED TREES ALL AROUND THE COUNTY.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sylva, NC
58 mph
Aug 14, 2015
2:10 PM EST-5
Wind report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Newspaper reported four large pine trees were blown down, with one falling on a garage.
NWS Wind Report Location: .69 N Cullowhee, NC
58 mph
Apr 28, 2014
10:55 PM EST-5
Wind report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: FD reported several trees blown down in the Cullowhee area.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 W Cullowhee, NC
Showing 15 of 44
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 28779

2 reports
UNK category
Jun 6, 2024
4:15 AM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: This tornado touched down in a heavily wooded area in the Cowee Mountains just east of Pumpkintown and near the Macon County line. The tornado produced minor tree damage as it ascended a ridge near Kirby Knob. The tornado rapidly strengthened as it descended through Cullowhee Gap and crossed Tilley Creek Road. Multiple trees were uprooted along the road with numerous large branches snapped. The tornado quickly reached peak intensity of EF-2 with 115mph winds just east of Tilley Creek Road where an extensive swath of trees received considerable damage. Approximately 800f the trees in this swath were either snapped or uprooted with the trees still standing having multiple branches snapped off. The tornado weakened back to a high-end EF- 1 snapping or uprooting many trees as it passed just below Moss Knob. The tornado turned southeast remaining in a remote and heavily wooded area as it continued to down numerous trees between Pine Knob and Low Ridge with the damage path focused near
NWS Tornado Report Location: 3 SSE Gay, NC
F0 category
Mar 12, 1975
2:30 PM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 28779
Jackson County · 19,177 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, NC
Showing 2 of 2
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 28779 on the Interactive Map

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NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · ZIP Code

ZIP 28779 area census snapshot

People & households
Population17,845
Households8,079
Housing units9,551
Income
Median household income$54,407
$100k+ households33.9%
$150k+ households10.5%
Housing stock
Single-family detached6,763
Attached single-family88
Small multifamily493
Large multifamily146
Mobile homes2,038
Housing mix
Single-family share70.8%
Attached-home share0.9%
Multifamily share6.7%
Mobile-home share21.3%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied5,379
Renter-occupied2,700
Vacant units1,472
Home value & age
Median home value$234,200
Owner homes $300k+30.3%
Owner homes $500k+7.2%
Owner homes $750k+3.4%
Median year built1985
Older-home share39.7%
Vehicle context
Households with cars7,640
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 28779 have on record?

Our records show 16 hail, 44 wind, and 2 tornado reports in and near ZIP 28779, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on August 17, 2026.

What is the largest hail ever reported in ZIP 28779?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in and near ZIP 28779 is 1.75″. It was reported near Sylva, NC on May 24, 1996.

A storm report showed up near my home in ZIP 28779 — 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 28779 and ask about a Remote Hail Inspection before anyone climbs on the roof.

I am buying a home in ZIP 28779 — 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 28779 address before closing helps you ask informed questions about roof age, past repairs, and any prior claims.

I am selling a home in ZIP 28779 — 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 28779 address?

Use the address search to pull a free address-level hail report for any property in ZIP 28779 — 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 28779, sourced from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. They show where hail, wind, or tornado activity was reported in ZIP 28779, 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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