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

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in and near Sterling, MI

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near Sterling, MI from April 25, 1957 through July 24, 2025, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.

Example: 48659 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code 
Hail Reports
20
Wind Reports
22
Tornado Reports
3
Max Hail Size
3.50″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  Sterling, MI · 1957–present Updated  Daily · last Jul 24, 2025

Latest NWS Hail Reports in and near Sterling, MI

20 reports
Free hail report for your home →
1.50″ hail
Jul 9, 2024
12:12 AM UTC
Hail report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Facebook report relayed by WFO GRR.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sterling, MI
1.75″ hail
Aug 2, 2015
12:45 PM EST-5
Hail report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Some vehicles were damaged by golfball-sized hail.
NWS Hail Report Location: N Sterling, MI
1.00″ hail
May 30, 2013
3:16 PM EST-5
Hail report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3.74 WSW Sterling, MI
0.88″ hail
Apr 10, 2011
7:09 AM EST-5
Hail report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: N Sterling, MI
0.75″ hail
Apr 10, 2011
6:30 AM EST-5
Hail report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: N Sterling, MI
0.75″ hail
Sep 20, 2008
7:44 PM EST-5
Hail report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2.76 N Alger, MI
0.75″ hail
Jul 9, 2007
3:10 PM EST-5
Hail report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: N Sterling, MI
0.75″ hail
Oct 2, 2006
3:55 PM EST-5
Hail report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: N Sterling, MI
0.88″ hail
Jun 8, 2005
2:00 AM EST
Hail report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sterling, MI
0.88″ hail
Jul 22, 2001
5:05 PM EST
Hail report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sterling, MI
0.75″ hail
May 28, 2001
5:41 PM EST
Hail report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sterling, MI
3.50″ hail
Sep 26, 1998
6:30 AM EST
Hail report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Large hail damaged crops and injured some livestock at area farms. Some trees were nearly stripped of leaves. Several homes suffered damage to siding...roofs and broken windows. Several satellite dishes were also destroyed. Cars and campers were dented to varying degrees with many broken windows.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 SE Sterling, MI
1.00″ hail
Sep 26, 1998
6:30 AM EST
Hail report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sterling, MI
1.00″ hail
Jun 24, 1998
6:10 PM EST
Hail report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Alger, MI
1.00″ hail
Jul 2, 1997
3:40 PM EST
Hail report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 N Alger, MI
Showing 15 of 20
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 Sterling, MI

22 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
UNK mph
Jul 24, 2025
6:40 PM UTC
Wind report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Emergency manager reported multiple trees down blocking roads in Moffatt Twp on Maple Ridge Rd near M-33. Also noted trees down across other parts of Arenac and Ogemaw counties. Time estimated via radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 NNW Alger, MI
UNK mph
Jul 9, 2024
12:05 AM UTC
Wind report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Power outages.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 NE Sterling, MI
UNK mph
Jun 22, 2024
8:43 PM UTC
Wind report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Arenac County Emergency Manager reports damage in and around the community surrounding Forest Lake. Possible tornado. Time estimated by radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 ENE Alger, MI
UNK mph
Jun 22, 2024
8:36 PM UTC
Wind report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Arenac County EM reports damage in and around the town of Alger. Possible tornado. Time estimated by radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 N Alger, MI
UNK mph
Aug 11, 2021
4:30 AM UTC
Wind report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: DELAYED REPORT. MULTIPLE REPORTS OF TREES AND POWERLINES DOWN THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY. ROOF BLOWN OFF OF A BARN AS WELL.
NWS Wind Report Location: Alger, MI
UNK mph
Jun 10, 2020
5:47 PM UTC
Wind report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: TREES AND POWER LINES DOWN BLOCKING SOME ROADWAYS.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sterling, MI
UNK mph
Aug 29, 2018
1:00 AM UTC
Wind report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: REPORTS OF 4 HOUSES WITH EXTENSIVE DAMAGE IN THE AREA. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sterling, MI
UNK mph
May 27, 2018
8:10 PM UTC
Wind report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: REPORT RELAYED VIA SOCIAL MEDIA. SEVERAL TREES AND POWER LINES DOWN NEAR PINNACLE ESTATES. SOME TREES UPROOTED AS WELL. TIME ESTIMATED.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 NE Sterling, MI
UNK mph
May 27, 2018
8:09 PM UTC
Wind report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: CORRECTS TIME OF PREVIOUS TSTM WND DMG REPORT FROM 3 NE STERLING. NUMEROUS TREES BLOWN DOWN FROM STRONG WINDS.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 NE Sterling, MI
UNK mph
May 27, 2018
7:40 PM UTC
Wind report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: NUMEROUS TREES BLOWN DOWN FROM STRONG WINDS.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 NE Sterling, MI
63 mph
Aug 2, 2015
12:45 PM EST-5
Wind report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Numerous trees were downed, some of which were left leaning against structures.
NWS Wind Report Location: N Sterling, MI
64 mph
Nov 17, 2013
5:00 PM EST-5
Wind report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Numerous trees were downed, knocking down utility lines as well. Old M-76 was closed for a period due to downed trees. Shingles were removed from several homes.
NWS Wind Report Location: N Sterling, MI
63 mph
May 20, 2013
3:53 PM EST-5
Wind report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees were downed in Sterling, while the roof was blown off of a home in Standish.
NWS Wind Report Location: N Sterling, MI
69 mph
May 22, 2011
2:56 PM EST-5
Wind report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Fifteen to twenty-five large trees were snapped off or uprooted. A swing set was destroyed by a falling tree.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2.42 SW Maple Ridge, MI
63 mph
Jul 15, 2010
1:53 PM EST-5
Wind report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Scattered trees were uprooted or snapped off in Sterling. Two light poles were downed at a gas station.
NWS Wind Report Location: N Sterling, MI
Showing 15 of 22
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 Sterling, MI

3 reports
UNK category
Aug 29, 2018
12:58 AM UTC
Tornado report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: AN EF-0 TORNADO WITH ESTIMATED MAXIMUM WINDS OF 85 MPH BRIEFLY TOUCHED DOWN ALONG THE RIFLE RIVER ABOUT 3.75 MILES NORTHEAST OF STERLING. TORNADO PATH LENGTH WAS 0.40 MILES WITH A MAXIMUM WIDTH OF 40 YARDS.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 4 NE Sterling, MI
F0 category
May 12, 2000
3:38 PM EST
Tornado report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A tornado briefly touched down in far northeast Gladwin County and crossed into Arenac County lifting near interstate 75.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 W Alger, MI
F2 category
Apr 24, 1993
6:22 PM EST
Tornado report for Sterling, MI
Arenac County · 7,789 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A tornado touched down in Alger in extreme northwest Arenac County around 1822 EST. The tornado moved northeast and lifted briefly after crossing Highway M-33. The tornado touched down with greater strength just before crossing into Ogemaw County where the Rifle River crosses the Ogemaw/Arenac County line. The tornado then moved into Mills Township/Skidway Lake through a subdivision comprised mainly of mobile homes and cottages, reaching F2 strength. It lifted briefly, about 0.75 mile northeast of the river, then touched down again and traveled another 6 miles, moving out of dense woods and into mostly open fields. A total of 17 mobile homes, 3 homes or cottages, 7 travel trailers, 4 garages, a barn, and 3 vehicles were destroyed or badly damaged. Six people, in 3 of the mobile homes that were completely destroyed were warned by the approaching roar, and in each case, took some action that ultimately saved their lives. Three were hospitalized with injuries. The tornado lifted just west of Prescott. Tree and power line damage occurred with the tornado itself, and up to 0.1 mile either side of the tornado path. Structure damage and personal property loss in Ogemaw County is estimated at around $250,000, with another $110,000 in tree damage or loss.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, MI
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 Sterling, MI on the Interactive Map

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Browse ZIP Codes with NWS Storm Reports in Sterling

48659 24
Sterling, MI Hail, wind & tornado reports

NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · City

Sterling, MI area census snapshot

People & households
Population439
Households144
Housing units185
Income
Median household income$58,750
$100k+ households28.5%
$150k+ households9.7%
Housing stock
Single-family detached159
Attached single-family0
Small multifamily11
Large multifamily0
Mobile homes15
Housing mix
Single-family share86.0%
Attached-home share--
Multifamily share6.0%
Mobile-home share8.1%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied122
Renter-occupied22
Vacant units41
Home value & age
Median home value$84,700
Owner homes $300k+3.3%
Owner homes $500k+--
Owner homes $750k+--
Median year built1958
Older-home share77.3%
Vehicle context
Households with cars140
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 Sterling have on record?

Our records show 20 hail, 22 wind, and 3 tornado reports in and near Sterling, MI, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on July 24, 2025.

What is the largest hail ever reported in Sterling?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in and near Sterling, MI is 3.50″. It was reported near Sterling, MI on September 26, 1998.

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

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

I am selling a home in Sterling — 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 Sterling address?

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