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

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 35243

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near ZIP 35243 from July 13, 1976 through July 27, 2026, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.

Example: 35243 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code 
Hail Reports
8
Wind Reports
16
Tornado Reports
3
Max Hail Size
1.75″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  ZIP 35243 · 1976–present Updated  Daily · last Jul 27, 2026

Latest NWS Hail Reports in and near ZIP 35243

8 reports
Free hail report for your home →
1.75″ hail
Apr 5, 2017
10:52 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Cahaba Heights, AL
1.75″ hail
Apr 5, 2017
10:50 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: COLONNADE SHOPPING AREA.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 S The Summit, AL
1.00″ hail
Apr 5, 2017
10:45 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 35243
Shelby County · 69,372 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 NNW Hoover Veterans P, AL
1.75″ hail
Jun 27, 2011
3:27 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail, ranging from the size of quarters to the size of golf balls, fell for several minutes around US-280 near I-459, including at Cahaba Heights and the Colonade shopping center.
NWS Hail Report Location: .81 S Cahaba Hgts, AL
1.75″ hail
Apr 11, 2008
3:36 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: .69 N Cahaba Hgts, AL
0.88″ hail
Apr 20, 2006
3:44 PM CST
Hail report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Reported at Summit Shopping Mall, at US-280 and I-459.
NWS Hail Report Location: Cahaba Hgts, AL
0.88″ hail
Jun 20, 1998
2:07 PM CST
Hail report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Dime to nickel size hail was reported at I-459 and US 280.
NWS Hail Report Location: Cahaba Hgts, AL
1.00″ hail
Jan 24, 1997
5:00 PM CST
Hail report for ZIP 35243
Shelby County · 69,372 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 N Indian Springs, AL
Showing 8 of 8
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 35243

16 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
UNK mph
Jul 27, 2026
11:54 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Large tree fell across part of road.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 W The Summit, AL
UNK mph
Jun 1, 2026
7:49 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree down blocking one lane at Caldwell Mill and Camp Horner Road.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 W Inverness, AL
UNK mph
Jul 28, 2024
10:05 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A few trees blown down... some involving power poles and lines. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 ESE Vestavia Hills, AL
UNK mph
May 16, 2023
6:22 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: TREE FELL THROUGH THE ROOF OF A RESIDENCE. NO INJURIES REPORTED.
NWS Wind Report Location: Cahaba Heights, AL
UNK mph
Mar 25, 2021
2:55 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: CALDWELL MILL AT PAHOKEE TRACE IS BLOCKED BY DOWNED TREES.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 W Inverness, AL
UNK mph
Aug 23, 2019
9:45 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: TREES WERE BLOWN DOWN AND DAMAGED A FEW VEHICLES.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 ESE Vestavia Hills, AL
UNK mph
Jan 24, 2017
7:08 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: TREES DOWN NEAR ROCKY RIDGE.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 SE Vestavia Hills, AL
58 mph
Jun 30, 2015
6:32 AM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Numerous trees uprooted and power lines downed in the Cahaba Heights area.
NWS Wind Report Location: .69 N Cahaba Hgts, AL
58 mph
Jun 27, 2011
3:23 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees were blown down on Blue Lake Drive, near Cahaba Heights.
NWS Wind Report Location: .71 E Cahaba Hgts, AL
58 mph
Jun 16, 2011
6:30 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: The canopy of a convenience store was ripped off and landed on a vehicle.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1.32 NE Vestavia Hills, AL
58 mph
Apr 11, 2011
6:32 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A tree was blown down onto a house along Meadowlawn Drive, near Dolly Ridge Road.
NWS Wind Report Location: .68 NW Cahaba Hgts, AL
63 mph
Jun 17, 2010
5:07 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A tree was blown down onto power lines at the 5000 block of Cahaba River road.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1.37 W Rocky Ridge, AL
58 mph
Jun 14, 2009
10:25 AM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees and power lines were blown down at Caldwell Mill and Camp Horner Roads.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2.18 SSW Cahaba Hgts, AL
58 mph
May 11, 2008
1:10 AM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 35243
Shelby County · 69,372 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Several trees and a power line were blown down.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3.89 NNE Quito, AL
58 mph
Jul 22, 2006
12:30 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 35243
Shelby County · 69,372 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A few trees were blown down on Inverness Parkway, in the Inverness Community.
NWS Wind Report Location: 8 NW Chelsea, AL
Showing 15 of 16
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 35243

3 reports
EF2 category
Apr 27, 2011
4:54 AM CST-6
Tornado report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A tornado developed along a Quasi-Linear Convective System. It touched down in south central Jefferson County where it affected the Cahaba Heights and Liberty Park communities of the Birmingham Metro area. The tornado touched down near Gresham Elementary School. It knocked down several trees along Country Ridge Pl. The tornado moved northeast and crossed US Hwy 280, near Dolly Ridge Rd where it knocked down numerous trees and damaging buildings along the highway. The tornado strengthened as it moved into Cahaba Heights where it produced damage consistent with an EF2 rating and winds of 120 mph. The most significant area of damage occurred between US Hwy 280 and Cahaba Heights Rd, near Cahaba Heights Elementary School, where numerous homes sustained significant damage from fallen trees. The tornado weakened to an EF1 rating with winds of 100 mph as it continued northeast, but still knocked down trees which resulted in damage to homes and businesses. The tornado crossed Interstate 459 south of Liberty Park knocking down dozens of trees, and continued northeast causing minor tree damage. The tornado lifted near Grants Mill Rd, 2 miles south of Interstate 459. A person was killed (indirect) during clean-up efforts.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2.07 WSW Cahaba Hgts, AL
EF0 category
Apr 27, 2011
4:53 AM CST-6
Tornado report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A tornado developed along a Quasi-Linear Convective System, touching down in far northern Shelby County, northeast of Hoover. The tornado tracked northeastward crossing into southern Jefferson County, just east of the intersection of Caldwell Mill Rd and Pahokee Trace. The tornado weakened to an EF0 rating and produced tree damage until it lifted near the intersection of Acton Place and Caldwell Mill Rd.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2.33 SSW Cahaba Hgts, AL
F1 category
Mar 28, 1984
1:19 AM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 35243
Jefferson County · 212,089 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, AL
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 35243 on the Interactive Map

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NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · ZIP Code

ZIP 35243 area census snapshot

People & households
Population17,776
Households8,782
Housing units10,027
Income
Median household income$99,063
$100k+ households39.0%
$150k+ households15.7%
Housing stock
Single-family detached4,862
Attached single-family557
Small multifamily1,230
Large multifamily3,367
Mobile homes11
Housing mix
Single-family share48.5%
Attached-home share5.6%
Multifamily share45.9%
Mobile-home share0.1%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied4,658
Renter-occupied4,124
Vacant units1,245
Home value & age
Median home value$484,400
Owner homes $300k+84.3%
Owner homes $500k+46.7%
Owner homes $750k+28.4%
Median year built1991
Older-home share33.4%
Vehicle context
Households with cars8,329
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 35243 have on record?

Our records show 8 hail, 16 wind, and 3 tornado reports in and near ZIP 35243, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on July 27, 2026.

What is the largest hail ever reported in ZIP 35243?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in and near ZIP 35243 is 1.75″. It was reported near Cahaba Heights, AL on April 5, 2017.

A storm report showed up near my home in ZIP 35243 — 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 35243 and ask about a Remote Hail Inspection before anyone climbs on the roof.

I am buying a home in ZIP 35243 — 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 35243 address before closing helps you ask informed questions about roof age, past repairs, and any prior claims.

I am selling a home in ZIP 35243 — 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 35243 address?

Use the address search to pull a free address-level hail report for any property in ZIP 35243 — 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 35243, sourced from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. They show where hail, wind, or tornado activity was reported in ZIP 35243, 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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