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

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in and near Lake Wales, FL

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near Lake Wales, FL from February 19, 1963 through July 23, 2024, 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
21
Wind Reports
20
Tornado Reports
15
Max Hail Size
4.50″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  Lake Wales, FL · 1963–present Updated  Daily · last Jul 23, 2024

Latest NWS Hail Reports in and near Lake Wales, FL

21 reports
Free hail report for your home →
1.00″ hail
Apr 27, 2023
1:15 AM UTC
Hail report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: QUARTER SIZE HAIL REPORT IN LAKE WALES AREA VIA HAM RADIO AND TRAINED SPOTTER.
NWS Hail Report Location: 4 ENE Lake Wales, FL
1.00″ hail
Apr 14, 2016
11:42 PM UTC
Hail report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: PUBLIC REPORT OF QUARTER-SIZED HAIL RELAYED BY MEDIA.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 SW Lake Wales, FL
1.00″ hail
Aug 7, 2014
5:15 PM EST-5
Hail report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: A picture of dime to quarter size hail was sent in by the public near Lake Wales.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.51 SSE Lake Wales, FL
0.88″ hail
Jun 3, 2010
1:50 PM EST-5
Hail report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Nickel-sized hail was reported near Lake Pierce.
NWS Hail Report Location: 5 NE Lake Wales, FL
0.75″ hail
Jun 23, 2009
11:50 AM EST-5
Hail report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Penny sized hail was reported south of Lake Wales.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 S Lake Wales, FL
0.88″ hail
May 24, 2009
3:36 PM EST-5
Hail report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: A trained spotter reported nickel size hail occurring at the intersection of State Road 60 East and Mammoth Grove Road.
NWS Hail Report Location: .48 SSW Alcoma, FL
1.00″ hail
Apr 5, 2008
3:58 PM EST-5
Hail report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: A trained spotter located on U.S. Highway 27 reported quarter size hail and estimated wind gusts of 60 to 70 MPH.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 S Lake Wales, FL
1.00″ hail
Jul 13, 2007
5:21 PM EST-5
Hail report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Quarter size hail damaged vehicles at a soft ball tournament.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 W Lake Wales, FL
0.88″ hail
May 6, 2007
3:55 PM EST-5
Hail report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Nickel size hail was reported by the public along Highway 60 northwest of Inidan Lakes Estates and again 10 miles east of Lake Wales.
NWS Hail Report Location: 7 SE Lake Wales, FL
1.00″ hail
Feb 3, 2006
2:20 PM EST
Hail report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail dinged a metal porch roof but did not damage vehicles in the yard.
NWS Hail Report Location: 4 E Lake Wales, FL
1.00″ hail
May 3, 2005
4:40 PM EST
Hail report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Lake Wales, FL
1.75″ hail
Aug 1, 1999
5:05 PM EST
Hail report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Quarter sized hail was reported in Lake Wales by Skywarn Spotters.
NWS Hail Report Location: Lake Wales, FL
1.00″ hail
May 4, 1998
1:35 PM EST
Hail report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Quarter sized hail was reported near the intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and State Road 60 by Skywarn Spotters.
NWS Hail Report Location: Lake Wales, FL
0.88″ hail
Jul 8, 1997
5:35 PM EST
Hail report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Nickel sized hail was reported by the Lake Wales Police Department along U.S. Highway 27.
NWS Hail Report Location: Lake Wales, FL
0.75″ hail
May 28, 1997
2:00 PM EST
Hail report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Dime sized hail was reported by a Skywarn Spotter along U.S. Highway 27.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 N Lake Wales, FL
Showing 15 of 21
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 Lake Wales, FL

20 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
46 mph
Jun 27, 2014
5:52 PM EST-5
Wind report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Numerous small tree limbs (1-3 inch diameter) were broken throughout the Kissimmee River RV Park.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3.66 NNE Lake Rosalie, FL
58 mph
Jun 17, 2011
3:40 PM EST-5
Wind report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A 12-foot utility trailer was pushed 50 feet across a yard and a 12-foot gazebo collapsed.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2.54 WSW Alcoma, FL
60 mph
Jun 21, 2008
12:30 PM EST-5
Wind report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Law enforcement reported numerous powerines down.
NWS Wind Report Location: .61 W Lake Wales, FL
70 mph
Jun 21, 2008
12:03 PM EST-5
Wind report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: There were several public reports of 60 to 70 mph wind gusts around Lake Wales.
NWS Wind Report Location: .61 W Lake Wales, FL
64 mph
Apr 5, 2008
3:58 PM EST-5
Wind report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A trained spotter located on U.S. Highway 27 reported quarter size hail and estimated wind gusts of 60 to 70 MPH.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 S Lake Wales, FL
60 mph
Apr 5, 2008
3:53 PM EST-5
Wind report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: The public reported an estimated wind gust of 60 MPH and a five minute duration of pea to dime size hail.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 SSE Lake Wales, FL
69 mph
Jul 13, 2002
9:33 AM EST
Wind report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Lake Wales, FL
UNK mph
Jun 15, 2001
4:06 PM EST
Wind report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: The Polk county sheriffs department reported that thunderstorm winds caused moderate to minor damage to twelve mobile homes and caused minor hanger damage at the Lake Wales Municipal Airport.
NWS Wind Report Location: Lake Wales, FL
UNK mph
Jul 26, 2000
5:35 PM EST
Wind report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Florida Power Electric Company officials reported that thunderstorms winds downed several large trees and power lines in Lake Wales of eastern Polk county.
NWS Wind Report Location: Lake Wales, FL
UNK mph
May 9, 1999
7:05 PM EST
Wind report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: The Peace River Electric Company reported several power lines were downed by thunderstorm winds along Old U.S. Highway 27 (Old Scenic Highway) in Lake Wales.
NWS Wind Report Location: Lake Wales, FL
UNK mph
Jan 3, 1999
1:25 AM EST
Wind report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Thunderstorm winds caused minor roof and structural damage to a few homes along Alternate U.S. Highway 27 in Lake Wales. Also, a few trees and power lines were downed by thunderstorm winds approximately one mile north of Lake Wales.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 N Lake Wales, FL
UNK mph
Jun 22, 1998
7:15 PM EST
Wind report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Thunderstorm winds tore off the screened porch of a mobile home and destroyed the carport of another.
NWS Wind Report Location: 8 S Lake Wales, FL
64 mph
May 28, 1997
2:03 PM EST
Wind report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A Skywarn Spotter measured a wind gust of 64 mph and reported trees and power lines downed near Cypress Gardens.
NWS Wind Report Location: 8 NW Lake Wales, FL
UNK mph
Apr 23, 1997
12:05 PM EST
Wind report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Thunderstorm winds blew down the wall of an automobile dealership under construction.
NWS Wind Report Location: Lake Wales, FL
UNK mph
Mar 30, 1996
3:35 PM EST
Wind report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Lake Wales, FL
Showing 15 of 20
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 Lake Wales, FL

15 reports
UNK category
Jul 23, 2024
9:30 PM UTC
Tornado report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Broadcast media shared a video from social media of what appears to be a landspout near Alturas... FL this evening. Radar data at the time does not support the presence of a mesocyclone... and the location was just to the west of the reflectivity. As an outflow boundary surged west... brief enhancement of the boundary layer wind field supported this surface-based circulation developing and stretching towards the clouds in a region where no updraft was present. In the video... the circulation can be seen hitting a trailer and a small carport-style structure... causing damage. Based upon damage in the video... this appears to be winds of EF-0 strength. The circulation lasted only a few seconds before dissipating.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 6 WSW Lake Wales, FL
EF0 category
Aug 22, 2008
5:25 PM EST-5
Tornado report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: The tornado formed over Lake Rosalie, moved onshore into Camp Rosalie, then dissipated. Five structures in the camp were damaged by the tornado. Car ports and mobile home roofs were peeled back in places.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1.31 NW Lake Rosalie, FL
F0 category
Aug 13, 2004
12:00 PM EST
Tornado report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: The public reported a brief tornado in Lake Wales.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Lake Wales, FL
F1 category
Feb 17, 1998
5:40 AM EST
Tornado report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A tornado touched down at Fourth and Johnson Streets in Lake Wales and caused significant roof damage to 25 homes, damaged a few vehicles, downed numerous large tree limbs and power lines along an intermittent path. Five homes in the North Point subdivision incurred moderate roof and lanai damage. One large vehicle was rolled and severely damaged by the tornado before it lifted and dissipated in the Crown Pointe subdivision along Burns Avenue in Lake Wales.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Lake Wales, FL
F0 category
Feb 16, 1998
2:32 PM EST
Tornado report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A tornado touched down along U.S. Highway 27A and North Crooked Lake Drive and lifted near Gulf View Cutoff Road in Babson Park. Five homes in a Babson Park division incurred roof damage by the tornado while several trees and power lines were downed before the tornado lifted and dissipated.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 5 SE Lake Wales, FL
F0 category
May 28, 1997
2:06 PM EST
Tornado report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A short-lived tornado touched down and shredded a 14-by-42 foot aluminum and screen enclosure of a home along U.S. Highway 27. The enclosure was tossed over the home and the remains scattered over an area 150 yards downstream from the damage site.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Lake Wales, FL
F0 category
Jul 17, 1991
5:25 PM CST
Tornado report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, FL
F1 category
Jul 26, 1982
4:00 PM CST
Tornado report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, FL
F0 category
Sep 16, 1981
12:45 PM CST
Tornado report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, FL
F0 category
Sep 24, 1979
4:00 PM CST
Tornado report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, FL
F0 category
Apr 14, 1975
3:26 PM CST
Tornado report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, FL
F1 category
Jul 26, 1971
6:40 PM CST
Tornado report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, FL
F1 category
Jul 14, 1969
4:00 PM CST
Tornado report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, FL
F2 category
May 29, 1963
3:45 PM CST
Tornado report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, FL
F2 category
Feb 19, 1963
7:25 AM CST
Tornado report for Lake Wales, FL
Polk County · 203,501 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, FL
Showing 15 of 15
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 Lake Wales, FL on the Interactive Map

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Browse ZIP Codes with NWS Storm Reports in Lake Wales

33853 27
Lake Wales, FL Hail, wind & tornado reports
33859 13
Alturas, FL Hail, wind & tornado reports
33898 27
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33884 16
Winter Haven, FL Hail, wind & tornado reports

NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · City

Lake Wales, FL area census snapshot

People & households
Population16,365
Households6,560
Housing units7,961
Income
Median household income$55,799
$100k+ households34.7%
$150k+ households7.7%
Housing stock
Single-family detached5,216
Attached single-family137
Small multifamily1,616
Large multifamily541
Mobile homes451
Housing mix
Single-family share65.5%
Attached-home share1.7%
Multifamily share27.1%
Mobile-home share5.7%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied3,999
Renter-occupied2,561
Vacant units1,401
Home value & age
Median home value$225,900
Owner homes $300k+25.6%
Owner homes $500k+6.6%
Owner homes $750k+4.7%
Median year built1992
Older-home share38.4%
Vehicle context
Households with cars5,957
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 Lake Wales have on record?

Our records show 21 hail, 20 wind, and 15 tornado reports in and near Lake Wales, FL, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on July 23, 2024.

What is the largest hail ever reported in Lake Wales?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in and near Lake Wales, FL is 4.50″. It was reported near Lake Wales, FL on March 30, 1996.

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

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

I am selling a home in Lake Wales — 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 Lake Wales address?

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