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

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 68979

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near ZIP 68979 from May 30, 1956 through May 17, 2026, 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
61
Wind Reports
31
Tornado Reports
12
Max Hail Size
2.75″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  ZIP 68979 · 1956–present Updated  Daily · last May 17, 2026

Latest NWS Hail Reports in and near ZIP 68979

61 reports
Free hail report for your home →
1.00″ hail
Aug 9, 2025
8:49 AM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 6 E Clay Center, NE
2.00″ hail
Jul 28, 2023
11:29 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Some golf balls with a few larger stones mixed in.
NWS Hail Report Location: 5 S Saronville, NE
2.50″ hail
Jul 28, 2023
11:25 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Report and picture via Facebook.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 SW Sutton, NE
2.50″ hail
Jul 28, 2023
11:15 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Quarters to tennis ball sized hail.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 NNE Saronville, NE
1.75″ hail
Jul 28, 2023
11:05 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 68979
Hamilton County · 3,592 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Report and picture via facebook.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 E Stockham, NE
1.75″ hail
Jul 5, 2023
12:30 AM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Social media report of golfball size hail in Sutton.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sutton, NE
1.75″ hail
Jul 5, 2023
12:29 AM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Emergency management reports hail ranging in size from quarters to golf balls.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sutton, NE
1.50″ hail
Jul 5, 2023
12:28 AM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Corrects time of previous hail report from Sutton. Report relayed via social media. Time estimated based on lowest CC and ZDR on radar as well as other nearby reports.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sutton, NE
1.50″ hail
Jul 4, 2023
10:56 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Report relayed via social media. Time estimated based on radar.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sutton, NE
1.00″ hail
Apr 19, 2023
2:48 AM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sutton, NE
1.00″ hail
Apr 19, 2023
2:47 AM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 68979
Fillmore County · 2,442 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: REPORT FROM MPING: QUARTER (1.00 IN.).
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 SE Sutton, NE
1.75″ hail
Apr 19, 2023
2:45 AM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sutton, NE
1.00″ hail
Apr 23, 2022
4:43 AM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: REPORT FROM FACEBOOK. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sutton, NE
2.75″ hail
Aug 14, 2020
10:52 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sutton, NE
1.25″ hail
Aug 14, 2020
10:51 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sutton, NE
Showing 15 of 61
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 68979

31 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
62 mph
May 17, 2026
2:46 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 68979
Fillmore County · 2,442 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 WSW Grafton, NE
60 mph
May 17, 2026
2:39 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 68979
Fillmore County · 2,442 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3.5 Wsw Grafton, NE
59 mph
Aug 9, 2025
9:05 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 68979
Fillmore County · 2,442 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Davis Weather Station.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 WSW Grafton, NE
75 mph
Aug 9, 2025
8:53 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 68979
Fillmore County · 2,442 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Davis Weather Station.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 SE Sutton, NE
59 mph
Aug 9, 2025
8:52 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Ambient Weather Station.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 S Sutton, NE
60 mph
Aug 9, 2025
8:42 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: 6 E Clay Center, NE
UNK mph
Jul 6, 2024
10:26 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Distribution power line and poles down with pivots turned over between Road 315 and 316. Time estimated based on radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 SSE Sutton, NE
UNK mph
Jul 29, 2023
12:00 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Reports of a shed on a car on main street and multiple power poles down. Additionally a Building roof is blocking main street.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sutton, NE
62 mph
Jul 29, 2023
11:57 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Mesonet station PWS-KNESUTTO12.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 WNW Sutton, NE
UNK mph
Jun 15, 2022
5:07 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORTS A PIVOT FLIPPED ONTO ROAD X APPROX 1.5 SOUTH OF HAMILTON CTY LINE. TIME EST FROM RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 5 N Sutton, NE
UNK mph
Jun 15, 2022
5:06 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORTS OVERTURNED SHED AND LARGE TREE SNAPPED ON ROAD Y... TWO MILES SOUTH OF THE COUNTY LINE. TIME EST FROM RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 N Sutton, NE
UNK mph
Dec 15, 2021
8:25 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: TREES AND POWERLINES DOWN IN SUTTON FROM ESTIMATED 80 MPH WINDS. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sutton, NE
UNK mph
Jul 11, 2021
4:18 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: EXTENSIVE TREE DAMAGE DOWN IN SUTTON. POWER OUT IN ALL OF HARVARD... SOME OF CLAY CENTER... SOME OF SUTTON.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sutton, NE
UNK mph
Jul 11, 2021
4:15 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: EM REPORTS MANY LARGE LIMBS AND TREES DOWNED. POWER AND CELL COVERAGE OUT FOR A LARGE PART OF THE COUNTY.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sutton, NE
UNK mph
Jul 9, 2020
5:07 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: TREE DAMAGE IN TOWN. TIME ESTIMATED BY RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sutton, NE
Showing 15 of 31
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 68979

12 reports
UNK category
Jul 6, 2024
10:32 PM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A QLCS tornado touched down at approximately Road 315 and Z Road south of Sutton... then moved north-northeast where it impacted a farmstead along Z Road... just north of Road 316. Within this stretch of the tornado... several EF-1 damage points were noted... particularly with respect to several large wooden power poles snapped... uprooted trees... and destroyed small grain bins. The grain bins were carried approximately 300 to 400 yards downstream into a nearby corn field that also sustained pivot damage. The tornado lifted just northeast of the farmstead.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 4 SSE Sutton, NE
UNK category
Jul 29, 2023
11:53 AM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Approximate start location of brief tornado that impacted Sutton this morning. EF1 rating with peak wind speeds of 110 MPH.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 NW Sutton, NE
UNK category
Aug 14, 2020
10:41 PM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: TORNADO WITH DEBRIS FIELD NEAR RD 324 AND RD X.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 5 ESE Stockham, NE
EF3 category
May 11, 2014
3:25 PM CST-6
Tornado report for ZIP 68979
Fillmore County · 2,442 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: This is the continuation of the EF3 tornado that started in Clay County northwest of Fairfield.||This tornado was reported initially as a multi-vortex tornado for several miles before taking on a more traditional look south of Saronville, where it was described as a wedge tornado. Based upon reports and video, it appears the entire mesocyclone of the storm was near ground level southwest of Sutton. It was one of the strongest tornado of the day in south central Nebraska, rated an EF3 with the peak wind estimated to be 150 MPH. Rear flank downdraft winds resulted in damage on the south side of the tornado track and in addition to the damage to Sutton itself, areas east of Clay Center, southwest of Sutton through northwest of Grafton were affected. Power poles and trees were damaged or snapped, irrigation pivots were overturned, and a few homes and outbuildings suffered damage.||Damage from this tornado was first noted north of Fairfield, where large tree limbs were knocked down and power poles broken. The tornado shifted mainly east across Highway 14 south of Clay Center, with additional tree damage as well as irrigation pivots overturned. It then started to move to the northeast, crossing Highway 41 east of Clay Center and Highway 6 a few miles west of Sutton, but powerful rear flank downdraft winds of 100 mph hammered Sutton and areas south-southwest of town, causing widespread property damage. Moving in between Saronville and Sutton, the tornado then started a more east-northeast path, crossing Road 6 north of Sutton before dissipating approximately 5 miles northeast of town.||As the tornado approached and crossed Highway 6 it intensified to it strongest point. Damage peaked a few miles north of Sutton, where the EF-3 rating was assigned, resulting from the destruction of a home. Elsewhere along the path, a few other homes sustained less significant damage than the one north of Sutton, and a number of other outbuildings and grain bins were also damaged or destroyed. Many trees were damaged, destroyed or contained debris (mainly from destroyed grain bins), irrigation pivots were overturned and power poles broken.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 6.58 W Grafton, NE
EF0 category
May 29, 2013
2:45 PM CST-6
Tornado report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: This tornado briefly touched down approximately 6 miles north of Sutton, with an maximum wind speed estimated to be 75 MPH. No damage was reported.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 6.38 N Sutton, NE
EF0 category
Apr 4, 2009
3:45 PM CST-6
Tornado report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Brief touchdown reported.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 E Sutton, NE
F0 category
May 5, 1994
8:10 PM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: NE Sutton, NE
F0 category
Jun 1, 1991
1:20 PM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, NE
F4 category
Mar 13, 1990
6:35 PM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 68979
Fillmore County · 2,442 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, NE
F0 category
Jul 5, 1986
4:43 PM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, NE
F1 category
Jun 11, 1964
7:00 PM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, NE
F1 category
May 30, 1956
4:30 PM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 68979
Clay County · 2,461 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, NE
Showing 12 of 12
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 68979 on the Interactive Map

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NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · ZIP Code

ZIP 68979 area census snapshot

People & households
Population1,645
Households694
Housing units769
Income
Median household income$84,265
$100k+ households49.6%
$150k+ households24.2%
Housing stock
Single-family detached660
Attached single-family19
Small multifamily66
Large multifamily16
Mobile homes8
Housing mix
Single-family share85.8%
Attached-home share2.5%
Multifamily share10.7%
Mobile-home share1.0%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied583
Renter-occupied111
Vacant units75
Home value & age
Median home value$156,300
Owner homes $300k+16.6%
Owner homes $500k+3.6%
Owner homes $750k+2.2%
Median year built1963
Older-home share72.0%
Vehicle context
Households with cars658
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 68979 have on record?

Our records show 61 hail, 31 wind, and 12 tornado reports in and near ZIP 68979, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on May 17, 2026.

What is the largest hail ever reported in ZIP 68979?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in and near ZIP 68979 is 2.75″. It was reported near Sutton, NE on August 14, 2020.

A storm report showed up near my home in ZIP 68979 — 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 68979 and ask about a Remote Hail Inspection before anyone climbs on the roof.

I am buying a home in ZIP 68979 — 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 68979 address before closing helps you ask informed questions about roof age, past repairs, and any prior claims.

I am selling a home in ZIP 68979 — 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 68979 address?

Use the address search to pull a free address-level hail report for any property in ZIP 68979 — 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 68979, sourced from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. They show where hail, wind, or tornado activity was reported in ZIP 68979, 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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