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

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 56481

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near ZIP 56481 from August 6, 1962 through August 3, 2024, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.

Example: 56481 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code 
Hail Reports
22
Wind Reports
27
Tornado Reports
5
Max Hail Size
1.75″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  ZIP 56481 · 1962–present Updated  Daily · last Aug 3, 2024

Latest NWS Hail Reports in and near ZIP 56481

22 reports
Free hail report for your home →
1.00″ hail
Aug 3, 2024
11:45 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Still hailing at time of the report.
NWS Hail Report Location: Verndale, MN
1.75″ hail
Aug 3, 2024
11:45 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail lasted about 15 minutes.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 N Verndale, MN
1.00″ hail
Aug 3, 2024
11:08 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Facebook report.
NWS Hail Report Location: 7 ESE Blue Grass, MN
1.00″ hail
Jun 24, 2022
12:15 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: PICTURE RELAYED VIA SOCIAL MEDIA.
NWS Hail Report Location: Verndale, MN
1.50″ hail
May 30, 2022
10:30 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Verndale, MN
1.50″ hail
May 30, 2022
10:20 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Verndale, MN
1.00″ hail
Jul 18, 2020
2:44 AM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: REPORT FROM SOCIAL MEDIA.
NWS Hail Report Location: Verndale, MN
1.00″ hail
Apr 7, 2020
9:06 AM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: REPORT FROM MPING.
NWS Hail Report Location: 5 NE Verndale, MN
1.75″ hail
Jun 19, 2016
11:12 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: LARGE HAIL ACROSS SOUTHWEST BULLARD TOWNSHIP.
NWS Hail Report Location: 9 NNE Aldrich, MN
0.88″ hail
Jun 11, 2014
5:25 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2.93 WSW Oylen, MN
1.50″ hail
Aug 26, 2013
7:22 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2.8 N Verndale, MN
1.00″ hail
Jul 24, 2013
7:30 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 4.33 E Blue Grass, MN
1.50″ hail
Jul 2, 2012
10:20 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: The hail was accompanied by very heavy rain and very strong winds.
NWS Hail Report Location: 4.75 ESE Blue Grass, MN
0.75″ hail
Jul 11, 2008
4:15 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 56481
Todd County · 10,714 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail occurred near intersection of County Rd. 210 and County Rd. 11.
NWS Hail Report Location: 4.82 E Hewitt, MN
0.88″ hail
Sep 21, 2007
1:05 AM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: .48 E Verndale, MN
Showing 15 of 22
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 56481

27 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
83 mph
Jun 23, 2022
5:05 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: PEAK WIND MEASURED AT A MNDOT WIND SENSOR ALONG HWY 10.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 WNW Verndale, MN
UNK mph
May 27, 2022
1:06 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: WIDESPREAD DOWNBURST WIND DAMAGE WITH LARGE TREE BRANCHES AND LIMBS BROKEN DOWN ACROSS EASTERN LEAF RIVER AND WESTERN WING RIVER TOWNSHIPS.
NWS Wind Report Location: 7 N Verndale, MN
94 mph
May 27, 2022
12:55 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: PEAK WIND MEASURED AT A MN DOT RWIS STATION. WIDESPREAD DOWNBURST WIND DAMAGE ACROSS WADENA AND ALDRICH TOWNSHIPS WITH NUMEROUS LARGE TREE BRANCHES AND LIMBS TORN DOWN... ROOFING MATERIAL TORN UP... AND SPRUCE TREES UPROOTED.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 WNW Verndale, MN
60 mph
May 29, 2018
8:02 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: POWER POLE SNAPPED
NWS Wind Report Location: 5 N Verndale, MN
98 mph
Jul 12, 2015
5:38 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 56481
Todd County · 10,714 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Several hardwood trees were snapped, six wooden power poles were snapped, and an irrigation system was tipped over.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2.52 N Hewitt, MN
60 mph
Jun 14, 2015
12:25 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A birch tree was blown down near Lyons State Forest.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4.33 E Blue Grass, MN
58 mph
May 2, 2015
8:46 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Three large jack pines were blown down across a fence. One of the trees also fell onto the roof of a house.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2.47 ESE Blue Grass, MN
84 mph
Sep 4, 2014
5:15 AM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: The wind gust was measured by a MNDOT RWIS sensor near Verndale.
NWS Wind Report Location: .48 E Verndale, MN
62 mph
Sep 9, 2013
5:30 AM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: The wind gust was measured by a MNDOT RWIS site near Verndale.
NWS Wind Report Location: .48 E Verndale, MN
75 mph
Jul 25, 2013
3:35 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Several poplar trees were pushed over or snapped by the strong wind.
NWS Wind Report Location: .69 N Oylen, MN
58 mph
Jun 20, 2013
11:30 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: The wind gust was measured by a MNDOT RWIS sensor along highway 10.
NWS Wind Report Location: .84 NW Verndale, MN
63 mph
Jun 6, 2006
12:28 AM CST
Wind report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Numerous large tree limbs and branches were blown off in several shelterbelts along U.S. Highway 10.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 E Verndale, MN
81 mph
Jun 20, 2005
10:30 AM CST
Wind report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Many large oak and pine trees were uprooted or snapped off.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 ENE Blue Grass, MN
81 mph
Jun 20, 2005
10:20 AM CST
Wind report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees were uprooted by the strong wind and 2 fell on a house. Trees also fell on power lines and blocked city streets.
NWS Wind Report Location: Verndale, MN
60 mph
Jul 2, 2003
1:00 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 56481
Kittson County · 1,812 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Large tree branches were blown down.
NWS Wind Report Location: 8 E Halma, MN
Showing 15 of 27
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 56481

5 reports
UNK category
May 27, 2022
12:52 AM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: THIS TORNADO CROSSED FROM FAR NORTHWEST TODD COUNTY AROUND 752 PM... ABOUT 3 SW VERNDALE AND TRACKED TO THE NORTH UNTIL 811 PM WHERE IT LIFTED 5.5 MILES EAST SOUTHEAST OF SEBEKA. IT CAUSED EXTREME DAMAGE WHICH INCLUDED NUMEROUS SNAPPED POWER POLES... NUMEROUS TREES WHICH WERE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED NUMEROUS FARM BUILDINGS HAD STEEL ROOFING AND SIDEWALL PANELS TORN OFF... TURKEY BARNS AND OTHER INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS LOST ROOFING MATERIAL AS WELL. PEAK WINDS ESTIMATED TO 115 MPH. MAXIMUM WIDTH TO 500 YARDS.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 3 SW Verndale, MN
UNK category
May 20, 2022
12:53 AM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: THIS TORNADO BEGAN AT 753 PM 1 MILE SOUTHWEST OF VERNDALE AND TRACKED TO THE NORTH UNTIL 811 PM WHERE IT LIFTED 5.5 MILES EAST SOUTHEAST OF SEBEKA. IT CAUSED EXTREME DAMAGE WHICH INCLUDED NUMEROUS SNAPPED POWER POLES... NUMEROUS TREES WHICH WERE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED NUMEROUS FARM BUILDINGS HAD STEEL ROOFING AND SIDEWALL PANELS TORN OFF... TURKEY BARNS AND OTHER INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS LOST ROOFING MATERIAL AS WELL. PEAK WINDS WERE ESTIMATED AT 115MPH... AN EF-2... WITH A PATH LENGTH OF 16 MILES.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 WSW Verndale, MN
EF1 category
Jun 11, 2014
5:15 PM CST-6
Tornado report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: The tornado tracked intermittently from along a road into inaccessible forest and swamp land. Several poplar trees with diameters of 12 inches or more were snapped at ground level or up to ten feet above ground level. Peak winds were estimated at 95 mph.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 3.46 E Blue Grass, MN
EF0 category
Jul 14, 2010
6:20 AM CST-6
Tornado report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: This tornado mainly affected portions of Lyons State Forest. Several poplar trees were snapped or blown down across CR 26. A damage path was evident further back into the trees on both sides of the county road, but access to view additional damage away from the road was not possible due to poor road conditions and high water. Peak winds were estimated from 75 to 80 mph.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 5 WSW Oylen, MN
F2 category
Jul 8, 2000
8:20 PM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 56481
Wadena County · 5,209 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A tornado that formed near Verndale intensified as it reached the Aldrich area. A mobile home, garage, barn, and 3 vehicles were destroyed 3 miles east of Aldrich. Two people, inside the mobile home when the tornado hit, suffered cuts, bruises, and a sprained ankle. The couples' son, sitting inside a car parked outside the mobile home, also sustained cuts and bruises. A horse trailer was pushed into his car and then into some nearby trees. Quite a bit of tree damage occurred along the damage path. The tornado then passed out of Wadena county and into Todd county.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Verndale, MN
Showing 5 of 5
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 56481 on the Interactive Map

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NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · ZIP Code

ZIP 56481 area census snapshot

People & households
Population2,333
Households921
Housing units1,072
Income
Median household income$69,688
$100k+ households43.8%
$150k+ households10.6%
Housing stock
Single-family detached910
Attached single-family3
Small multifamily7
Large multifamily2
Mobile homes135
Housing mix
Single-family share84.9%
Attached-home share0.3%
Multifamily share0.8%
Mobile-home share12.6%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied804
Renter-occupied117
Vacant units151
Home value & age
Median home value$165,600
Owner homes $300k+17.3%
Owner homes $500k+4.4%
Owner homes $750k+1%
Median year built1976
Older-home share56.1%
Vehicle context
Households with cars894
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 56481 have on record?

Our records show 22 hail, 27 wind, and 5 tornado reports in and near ZIP 56481, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on August 3, 2024.

What is the largest hail ever reported in ZIP 56481?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in and near ZIP 56481 is 1.75″. It was reported near Verndale, MN on August 3, 2024.

A storm report showed up near my home in ZIP 56481 — 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 56481 and ask about a Remote Hail Inspection before anyone climbs on the roof.

I am buying a home in ZIP 56481 — 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 56481 address before closing helps you ask informed questions about roof age, past repairs, and any prior claims.

I am selling a home in ZIP 56481 — 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 56481 address?

Use the address search to pull a free address-level hail report for any property in ZIP 56481 — 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 56481, sourced from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. They show where hail, wind, or tornado activity was reported in ZIP 56481, 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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