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

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in Polk County, NE

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports across Polk County, NE from July 9, 1955 through August 14, 2026, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.

Example: 68601 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code 
Hail Reports
151
Wind Reports
103
Tornado Reports
36
Max Hail Size
3.00″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  Polk County, NE · 1955–present Updated  Daily · last Aug 14, 2026

Latest NWS Hail Reports in Polk County

30 reports
Free hail report for your home →
2.00″ hail
May 16, 2026
10:26 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 6 W Osceola, NE
1.00″ hail
May 16, 2026
10:20 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 7 WNW Stromsburg, NE
1.00″ hail
Aug 18, 2025
8:11 AM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: nickel to quarter size hail. time estimated from radar.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 NE Shelby, NE
1.75″ hail
Aug 18, 2025
8:10 AM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Call received from Dispatch at 310 AM and hail was ongoing at the time.
NWS Hail Report Location: Shelby, NE
1.00″ hail
May 19, 2025
9:05 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Co-op observer reports quarter sized hail. Lasted approximately five minutes.
NWS Hail Report Location: Osceola, NE
1.75″ hail
May 19, 2025
9:02 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Spotter reports golf ball sized hail northwest of Stromsburg.
NWS Hail Report Location: 5 W Osceola, NE
1.00″ hail
Apr 2, 2025
1:48 AM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Quarter size hail on north side of Osceola... only pea size reported on far south side of town.
NWS Hail Report Location: Osceola, NE
1.25″ hail
Jul 4, 2023
11:36 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Report of Half Dollar size hail 5 N Gresham.
NWS Hail Report Location: 5 N Gresham, NE
1.00″ hail
Jul 4, 2023
11:15 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Reported hail up to the size of quarters.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 NE Shelby, NE
1.00″ hail
May 12, 2023
8:17 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: QUARTER SIZED HAIL FALLING.
NWS Hail Report Location: Osceola, NE
1.50″ hail
Aug 19, 2022
12:12 AM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 6 W Osceola, NE
1.00″ hail
Jun 5, 2022
3:20 AM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: DELAYED REPORT.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 E Stromsburg, NE
1.00″ hail
Apr 30, 2022
12:43 AM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 NE Shelby, NE
1.00″ hail
Aug 7, 2021
11:40 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 W Osceola, NE
1.00″ hail
Aug 7, 2021
11:39 PM UTC
Hail report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 N Osceola, NE
Showing 15 of 30
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 Polk County

30 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
53 mph
Aug 14, 2026
8:04 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: &&
NWS Wind Report Location: 4.6 S Silver Creek, NE
53 mph
Aug 14, 2026
8:04 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4.6 S Silver Creek, NE
60 mph
Jun 10, 2026
2:03 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: observer estimated wind gust up to 60 MPH.
NWS Wind Report Location: Osceola, NE
60 mph
Aug 18, 2025
8:13 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Estimated 55 to 60 MPH wind gusts. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 NE Shelby, NE
60 mph
Jun 17, 2025
1:55 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Large branch down on property. Reports of several other reports of 2 to 4 inch branches down in town.
NWS Wind Report Location: Osceola, NE
UNK mph
Jun 17, 2025
1:55 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Several reports of branches at least 2 to 4 inch diameter down in town... including from off-duty NWS.
NWS Wind Report Location: Osceola, NE
74 mph
May 21, 2024
9:54 AM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 ESE Osceola, NE
60 mph
Apr 6, 2024
11:10 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Est 60mph wind gusts. Large tree limb down on sidewalk.
NWS Wind Report Location: Osceola, NE
60 mph
Oct 3, 2023
11:59 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Time est. from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: Shelby, NE
UNK mph
Oct 3, 2023
11:52 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Delayed report of residential structure partial roof loss.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 N Osceola, NE
65 mph
Oct 3, 2023
11:51 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: personal weather station.
NWS Wind Report Location: 7 E Clarks, NE
60 mph
Oct 3, 2023
11:50 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: via personal weather station.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 SSE Osceola, NE
86 mph
Oct 3, 2023
11:50 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Edit to previous tstm wnd dmg report from 1 S Osceola. Photos of tree damage on the south side of town and power is out. Davis station anemometer mounted approximately 30 ft up measured a peak gust of 86 MPH. Metal amateur radio tower approximately 40 ft tall was knocked over at this location. One of the light poles at nearby high school football field was damaged.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 S Osceola, NE
UNK mph
Oct 3, 2023
11:50 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Photos of tree damage on the south side of town and power is out. Davis station anemometer mounted approximately 30 ft up measured a gust of 80 MPH.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 S Osceola, NE
UNK mph
Oct 3, 2023
11:48 PM UTC
Wind report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Minor tree damage reported in town. Time est. from radar and other reports.
NWS Wind Report Location: Stromsburg, NE
Showing 15 of 30
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 Polk County

30 reports
UNK category
May 28, 2024
9:54 AM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Result from survey of May 21 storms. EF0 rated tornado in northeast Polk County with estimated maximum wind 80 mph. Damaged trees... power poles and pivots. Path was 4.41 miles and width estimated to be 75 yards.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 8 NNW Shelby, NE
UNK category
Dec 15, 2021
8:40 PM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: NWS DAMAGE SURVEY FOUND PRELIMINARY EF-1 DAMAGE FROM A TORNADO THAT TRACKED FROM ROUGHLY 2 SE OF POLK TO 6 W OF OSCEOLA. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL BE ADDED ONCE SURVEY IS COMPLETE.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 4 NE Polk, NE
UNK category
May 3, 2021
1:00 AM UTC
Tornado report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: EMERGENCY MANAGER REPORTS A HORSE TRAILER FLIPPED ALONG HIGHWAY 66 FROM A LIKELY LANDSPOUT. TIME ESTIMATED BASED ON SEVERAL REPORTS WE RECEIVED OF LANDSPOUTS VISIBLE FROM THE BENEDICT AND STROMSBURG AREAS.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 5 WSW Stromsburg, NE
EF0 category
Apr 27, 2014
4:17 PM CST-6
Tornado report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: This tornado, which touched down northwest of the intersection of Highways 92 and 39 approximately 8 miles west-northwest of Osceola, was witnessed by multiple storm chasers. No damage was reported with this tornado.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2.53 NNW Swedehome, NE
EF3 category
Jun 20, 2011
5:02 PM CST-6
Tornado report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: The second EF3 tornado of the day touched down approximately 4 miles east of Polk and continued north for nearly 10 miles before lifting approximately 6 miles west-northwest of Osceola. Damage was noted right at the start of the path, with a brick home on Highway 66 west of Polk suffering significant roof, window and tree damage, and a semi-truck and trailer were knocked over onto its side. About 2 miles north of Highway 66, a residence suffered minor tree damage and lost an outbuilding, and a combine was tossed about 100 yards into a field. As the tornado continued north, numerous power poles were snapped, irrigation pivots were overturned, and crops were stripped from the ground. The most significant damage occurred when a farmstead on Highway 92 approximately 6 miles west of Osceola took a direct hit. The home as well as surrounding outbuildings and trees were either destroyed or suffered significant damage. A car, tractor, and an ATV were thrown from their original locations into the field just north of the home. The tornado finally lifted approximately 2 miles north of the intersection of Highways 92 and 39, but not before striking another farmstead, destroying an outbuilding and garage, and damaging a machine shed and barn. The maximum wind speed of this tornado was estimated to be 140 MPH.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 3.43 W Durant, NE
EF0 category
May 12, 2011
4:36 PM CST-6
Tornado report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No damage was caused by this brief tornado touchdown.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 3.14 SSW Swedehome, NE
EF0 category
May 12, 2011
4:33 PM CST-6
Tornado report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No damage was caused by this brief tornado touchdown.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2.4 W Stromsburg, NE
EF1 category
May 11, 2011
2:00 PM CST-6
Tornado report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: This confirmed tornado was witnessed by a number of spotters, including the Emergency Manager and Fire Chief. The initial touchdown was south of Osceola, but lifted as it approached the town. It then touched down once again on the northeast edge of town, before lifting for the final time approximately 3/4 of a mile to the north. Damage included 4 metal sheds destroyed south of town, with some of the debris ending up in the city park, a large tree uprooted in the city park, and porch and shed damage to a residence on the north side of town. The top wind speed estimated with this tornado was 90 mph.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1.41 S Osceola, NE
F0 category
May 10, 2005
8:41 PM CST
Tornado report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A tornado was reported and photographed by a group of storm chasers near Stromsburg. No damage was noted.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 W Stromsburg, NE
F1 category
Oct 9, 2001
5:25 PM CST
Tornado report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Tornado crossed from Polk County into Merrick County.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 8 N Swedehome, NE
F3 category
Oct 9, 2001
4:55 PM CST
Tornado report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A strong tornado entered Polk County from Hamilton County.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 W Polk, NE
F0 category
Oct 9, 2001
4:49 PM CST
Tornado report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Tornado was briefly in Polk County coming from Hamilton County.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 W Polk, NE
F3 category
May 7, 1993
6:50 PM CST
Tornado report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Tornado touched down four miles south of Blue Hill in northern Webster county. Two farm homes, and outbuildings were damaged. Two 12,00 bushel grain bins were destroyed. The tornado moved north into southeast Adams county, where it damaged 75 to 100 homes in Ayr and Pauline. It then moved into southwest Clay county where it derailed 25 cars from a train between Glenvill and Fairfield. A farm house, garage and grain bins were damaged near Glenvill. It then moved north and lifted to a funnel cloud over northern Clay and southern Hamilton counties but touched down again just north of Interstate 80 where it destroyed three domes, and one church. Other homes and outbuildings were damaged. The tornado was last spotted moving into western Polk county northeast of Hordville.
NWS Tornado Report Location: S Blue Hill To, NE
F2 category
Jun 15, 1992
6:45 PM CST
Tornado report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, NE
F0 category
May 29, 1991
9:35 PM CST
Tornado report for Polk County, NE
Polk County · 2,235 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, NE
Showing 15 of 30
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 Polk County on the Interactive Map

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Browse Cities with NWS Storm Reports in Polk County

NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · County

Polk County, NE area census snapshot

People & households
Population5,209
Households2,058
Housing units2,524
Income
Median household income$71,771
$100k+ households43.3%
$150k+ households17.6%
Housing stock
Single-family detached2,235
Attached single-family14
Small multifamily84
Large multifamily44
Mobile homes147
Housing mix
Single-family share88.6%
Attached-home share0.6%
Multifamily share5.1%
Mobile-home share5.8%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied1,680
Renter-occupied378
Vacant units466
Home value & age
Median home value$177,800
Owner homes $300k+21.4%
Owner homes $500k+4.2%
Owner homes $750k+0.7%
Median year built1963
Older-home share77.5%
Vehicle context
Households with cars2,025
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.

Top ZIP Codes with NWS Storm Reports in Polk County

Get a Remote Hail Inspection

Not sure if hail may have affected your home in Polk County? Ask a local pro for a Remote Hail Inspection. They can review hail activity for your property and help you decide whether an in-person roof or exterior inspection makes sense.

Frequently asked questions

for homeowners, buyers & sellers
How many hail, wind, and tornado reports does Polk County have on record?

Our records show 151 hail, 103 wind, and 36 tornado reports in Polk County, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on August 14, 2026.

What is the largest hail ever reported in Polk County?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in Polk County is 3.00″. It was reported near Osceola, NE on May 12, 1956.

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

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

I am selling a home in Polk County — 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 Polk County address?

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