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

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 71430

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near ZIP 71430 from April 12, 1963 through July 30, 2025, 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
6
Wind Reports
13
Tornado Reports
3
Max Hail Size
2.75″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  ZIP 71430 · 1963–present Updated  Daily · last Jul 30, 2025

Latest NWS Hail Reports in and near ZIP 71430

6 reports
Free hail report for your home →
2.00″ hail
May 3, 2017
2:08 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: COCORAHS SPOTTER REPORTED 2 INCH HAIL AND BROKEN WINDSHIELD IN FOREST HILL.
NWS Hail Report Location: SSE Forest Hill, LA
2.50″ hail
May 3, 2017
2:06 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: MULTIPLE SOCIAL MEDIA PICTURES OF LARGE HAIL NEAR TENNIS BALL SIZE. TIME ESTIMATED BY RADAR.
NWS Hail Report Location: Forest Hill, LA
2.75″ hail
May 3, 2017
2:05 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: MULTIPLE PUBLIC SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS SHOWED HAIL ESTIMATED AT TENNIS TO BASEBALL SIZED HAIL NEAR FOREST HILL. TIME ESTIMATED BY RADAR.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 E Forest Hill, LA
2.00″ hail
May 3, 2017
2:05 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: PUBLIC RELAYED PHOTOS OF ESTIMATED 2 INCH SIZED HAIL NEAR FOREST HILL VIA SOCIAL MEDIA. TIME ESTIMATED VIA RADAR.
NWS Hail Report Location: Forest Hill, LA
0.75″ hail
Apr 8, 2002
3:22 AM CST
Hail report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Forest Hill, LA
1.50″ hail
Apr 12, 1963
7:30 AM CST
Hail report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Not provided, LA
Showing 6 of 6
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 71430

13 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
UNK mph
Jul 30, 2025
10:15 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Picture of large tree branches down.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 SW Forest Hill, LA
UNK mph
Jul 3, 2025
11:38 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Report of utility lines down on Martin Springs Rd.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 NE Forest Hill, LA
UNK mph
Jun 1, 2024
2:50 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees and powerlines down.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 SSE Forest Hill, LA
UNK mph
Jun 1, 2024
2:43 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Photo of trees blown down onto power lines off Boy Scout Rd in Forest Hill. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 N Mcnary, LA
UNK mph
Jun 1, 2024
2:43 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Public reports homes damaged on Elwood Rd. Time estimated by radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 SSE Forest Hill, LA
UNK mph
Jun 1, 2024
2:43 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Public reports numerous trees and powerlines down across Elwood Rd. south of Forest Hill. Time estimated by radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 SSE Forest Hill, LA
UNK mph
Jun 18, 2016
6:30 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: RAPIDES 911 REPORTS TREE DOWN AT FOREST HILL.
NWS Wind Report Location: Forest Hill, LA
58 mph
Jul 5, 2015
1:03 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A report was received of a tree down on a truck near Indian Creek. No injuries were reported.
NWS Wind Report Location: .91 SE Valde Rouge, LA
58 mph
May 23, 2013
4:55 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A few trees were blown down in Woodworth, one of which landed on a house causing minor damage.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1.78 E Forest Hill, LA
58 mph
Aug 10, 2012
1:00 AM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A tree was reported down in Elmer by a passing storm.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1.5 NNE Elmer, LA
58 mph
Mar 11, 2012
7:36 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: The sheriff���s department reported a tree down on Highway 112 in the Forest Hill area from a passing storm.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2.39 NNW Forest Hill, LA
58 mph
Jun 24, 2008
4:00 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Numerous trees were blown down in Alexandria, Pineville, and Woodworth.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3.82 SE Forest Hill, LA
UNK mph
Apr 26, 1966
1:45 AM CST
Wind report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Not provided, LA
Showing 13 of 13
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 71430

3 reports
UNK category
Dec 14, 2022
4:34 AM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: TORNADO CONTINUED NE FOR 11 MINUTES. NUMEROUS TREES WERE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED. DAMAGE TO A RESIDENCE AND SEVERAL OUTBUILDINGS. DAMAGE TO A LARGE OFFICE SUPPLY BUILDING. DAMAGE TO THE LSU AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY OFFICE.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 SSE Woodworth, LA
UNK category
Dec 14, 2022
4:25 AM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: TORNADO CONTINUED NE FOR 4 MINUTES WITH NUMEROUS TREES SNAPPED OR UPROOTED. TWO HOUSES AND SEVERAL OUTBUILDINGS SUSTAINED DAMAGE.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 ENE Forest Hill, LA
UNK category
Apr 2, 2017
6:53 PM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 71430
Rapides Parish · 39,442 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: 911 CENTER REPORTS A TORNADO JUST NORTH OF FOREST HILL.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 N Forest Hill, LA
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 71430 on the Interactive Map

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NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · ZIP Code

ZIP 71430 area census snapshot

People & households
Population2,527
Households934
Housing units1,082
Income
Median household income$39,917
$100k+ households28.9%
$150k+ households12.7%
Housing stock
Single-family detached524
Attached single-family0
Small multifamily8
Large multifamily0
Mobile homes550
Housing mix
Single-family share48.4%
Attached-home share--
Multifamily share0.7%
Mobile-home share50.8%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied612
Renter-occupied322
Vacant units148
Home value & age
Median home value$174,700
Owner homes $300k+19.8%
Owner homes $500k+2.9%
Owner homes $750k+0.7%
Median year built1992
Older-home share33.5%
Vehicle context
Households with cars735
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 71430 have on record?

Our records show 6 hail, 13 wind, and 3 tornado reports in and near ZIP 71430, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on July 30, 2025.

What is the largest hail ever reported in ZIP 71430?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in and near ZIP 71430 is 2.75″. It was reported near Forest Hill, LA on May 3, 2017.

A storm report showed up near my home in ZIP 71430 — 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 71430 and ask about a Remote Hail Inspection before anyone climbs on the roof.

I am buying a home in ZIP 71430 — 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 71430 address before closing helps you ask informed questions about roof age, past repairs, and any prior claims.

I am selling a home in ZIP 71430 — 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 71430 address?

Use the address search to pull a free address-level hail report for any property in ZIP 71430 — 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 71430, sourced from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. They show where hail, wind, or tornado activity was reported in ZIP 71430, 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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