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

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in Burke County, NC

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports across Burke County, NC from September 6, 1957 through September 5, 2026, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.

Example: 28655 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code 
Hail Reports
197
Wind Reports
363
Tornado Reports
11
Max Hail Size
4.50″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  Burke County, NC · 1957–present Updated  Daily · last Sep 5, 2026

Latest NWS Hail Reports in Burke County

30 reports
Free hail report for your home →
1.00″ hail
May 14, 2025
6:31 PM UTC
Hail report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Time estimated from radar.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 NNW Valdese, NC
1.00″ hail
May 8, 2025
8:40 PM UTC
Hail report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: mPING user reported quarter-sized (1.00 in.) hail. Report time verified by radar.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 SW Morganton, NC
1.00″ hail
May 8, 2025
8:20 PM UTC
Hail report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Morganton, NC
1.00″ hail
Aug 7, 2023
8:24 PM UTC
Hail report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Small branches down as well.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 NE Table Rock, NC
1.00″ hail
Jun 26, 2023
9:08 PM UTC
Hail report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Social media report of nickel to quarter size hail along Mount Olive Church Road.
NWS Hail Report Location: 5 SSW Glen Alpine, NC
1.75″ hail
Jul 6, 2022
7:21 PM UTC
Hail report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: REPORT OF GOLF BALL SIZED HAIL.
NWS Hail Report Location: 5 ENE Pleasant Grove, NC
1.00″ hail
Jun 2, 2022
10:30 PM UTC
Hail report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: QUARTER SIZE HAIL ON SPAINHOUR RD IN OAK HILL COMMUNITY
NWS Hail Report Location: 4 NW Morganton, NC
1.00″ hail
Jun 2, 2022
8:04 PM UTC
Hail report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: NICKEL TO QUARTER SIZE HAIL NEAR INTERSECTION OF HENDERSON MILL AND PIEDMONT ROADS. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
NWS Hail Report Location: 5 E Table Rock, NC
1.00″ hail
May 1, 2022
6:10 PM UTC
Hail report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: A FEW REPORTS OF HAIL UP TO QUARTER SIZED ALONG INTERSTATE 40 NEAR THE BURKE AND MCDOWELL COUNTY BORDER AND ALONG CAUSBY ROAD IN FAR WESTERN BURKE COUNTY.
NWS Hail Report Location: 5 SW Glen Alpine, NC
1.00″ hail
Jul 21, 2020
10:05 PM UTC
Hail report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: STRONG WINDS AND HEAVY RAIN ALSO REPORTED.
NWS Hail Report Location: 4 W Hickory, NC
1.00″ hail
Jul 21, 2020
9:30 PM UTC
Hail report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: TRAINED SPOTTER REPORTED QUARTER (1.00") SIZE HAIL ON JACUMIN RD IN VALDESE... NC
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 SW Valdese, NC
1.00″ hail
Jul 21, 2020
9:15 PM UTC
Hail report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: TRAINED SPOTTER REPORTED QUARTER (1.00") SIZE HAIL ON PIEDMONT RD
NWS Hail Report Location: 4 N Morganton, NC
1.00″ hail
Jul 21, 2020
9:15 PM UTC
Hail report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: TRAINED SPOTTER REPORTED QUARTER (1.00") SIZE HAIL ON E T CAMP RD
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 W Drexel, NC
1.00″ hail
Jul 21, 2020
9:00 PM UTC
Hail report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: TRAINED SPOTTER REPORTED QUARTER (1.00") SIZE HAIL ON JOHNS RIVER LOOP
NWS Hail Report Location: 4 NNE Morganton, NC
1.00″ hail
Jul 10, 2020
10:01 PM UTC
Hail report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: BROADCAST MEDIA REPORTED QUARTER (1.00") SIZE HAIL
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 N Morganton, NC
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 Burke County

30 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
UNK mph
Sep 5, 2026
5:51 PM UTC
Wind report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 Sw Drexel, NC
UNK mph
Sep 5, 2026
5:44 PM UTC
Wind report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 Nne Pleasant Grove, NC
UNK mph
Aug 21, 2026
12:20 PM UTC
Wind report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Large tree branch down on Costner Rd. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 Sse Hildebran, NC
UNK mph
Aug 21, 2026
12:10 PM UTC
Wind report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree down on house.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 E Pleasant Grove, NC
64 mph
Aug 18, 2026
12:19 AM UTC
Wind report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A peak wind gust of 64 mph...56 kts was measured at the Hickory Regional Airport.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 Nnw Longview, NC
UNK mph
Aug 18, 2026
12:05 AM UTC
Wind report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree and/or utility line damage leading to power outages along Carolina Ave.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 Sw Rhodhiss, NC
UNK mph
Aug 17, 2026
11:35 PM UTC
Wind report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Multiple trees and power lines blow down from Morganton and vicinity east to Connelly Springs.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 Ene Morganton, NC
UNK mph
Aug 17, 2026
11:25 PM UTC
Wind report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees and power lines blown down along Highway 126.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 Nne Glen Alpine, NC
UNK mph
Aug 17, 2026
11:20 PM UTC
Wind report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees blown down on Table Rock Rd.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 Sse Jonas Ridge, NC
UNK mph
Aug 11, 2026
7:55 PM UTC
Wind report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Assistant 911 Director reports widespread trees and powerlines down on Benfields Landing.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 Ene Nebo, NC
UNK mph
Aug 11, 2026
7:55 PM UTC
Wind report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Assistant 911 Director reports trees and powerlines down on Benfields Landing Road.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 Ene Nebo, NC
UNK mph
Aug 10, 2026
12:10 AM UTC
Wind report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree on a home with entrapment. Injuries reported but number unknown at this time.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 Nne Morganton, NC
UNK mph
Aug 10, 2026
12:10 AM UTC
Wind report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Corrects previous tstm wnd dmg report from 1 NNE Morganton. Tree on a home with entrapment. Occupants extricated but no injuries reported.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 Nne Morganton, NC
UNK mph
Aug 10, 2026
12:05 AM UTC
Wind report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Multiple trees down from downtown to the west side of Morganton.
NWS Wind Report Location: Morganton, NC
UNK mph
Aug 10, 2026
12:00 AM UTC
Wind report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees down.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 Sw Morganton, NC
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 Burke County

11 reports
UNK category
Oct 23, 2017
8:37 PM UTC
Tornado report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: MULITPLE STRUCTURES DAMAGED IN HILDEBRAN.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Hildebran, NC
UNK category
Oct 8, 2017
9:45 PM UTC
Tornado report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: OUT BUILDINGS DAMAGED ALONG WOODLAWN DRIVE. LIKELY TORNADO.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 WSW Connelly Springs, NC
UNK category
Oct 8, 2017
9:34 PM UTC
Tornado report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: NWS STORM SURVEY CONFIRMED AN EF1 TORNADO IN BURKE COUNTY NC.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 4 NE Pleasant Grove, NC
UNK category
Oct 8, 2017
9:15 PM UTC
Tornado report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: NWS STORM SURVEY CONFIRMED AN EF0 TORNADO IN BURKE COUNTY NC.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 5 S Pleasant Grove, NC
EF2 category
Jan 11, 2012
6:03 PM EST-5
Tornado report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: This tornado touched down near George Hildebrand School Rd, felling trees and causing minor roof damage to several homes. The tornado continued northeast from there, along an intermittent path. The damage path became more concentrated as it moved across Paige St, continuing to down trees as well as causing minor roof damage to homes and outbuildings. The tornado rapidly intensified as it approached the South Fork community, crossing Rock Lane, River Rock Dr, and South Fork Ave. Dozens of homes were damaged in this area, with some mobile homes completely destroyed, and most of the roofing removed from some frame houses. Eight people were injured in this area. The tornado began to weaken as it moved northeast from there, causing mainly sporadic tree and minor structural damage along Old Britain Rd and Old Highway 10 before lifting near I-40. A total of 168 structures were damaged or destroyed in the county. This was the first winter tornado in Burke County history. It was only the second reported significant tornado (EF2/F2 and stronger) to have affected the county, and the first since 1979.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1.13 SW Burke Chapel, NC
EF1 category
Sep 27, 2010
10:09 PM EST-5
Tornado report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: NWS storm survey found a tornado damage path that began near the intersection of Conley Rd and Fisher Davis Rd. Several trees were snapped off or uprooted at this location, and a car port was detached and thrown from a home. Siding and flashing were also torn off this home. The tornado continued to produce intermittent damage as it moved north northeast, roughly paralleling Conley Rd. Part of the roof and some siding was blown off a home just south of Bennett Rd, with debris scattered several hundred yards away. Multiple trees were snapped off or uprooted and part of the roof was peeled off a home north of Bennett Rd. A car port was blown several hundred yards at this location and the doors were blown in on a garage, causing one wall of the garage to collapse. As the tornado continued north northeast, multiple trees were snapped off or uprooted, with trees falling on several homes. A horse trailer also was blown over and several homes received minor structural damage before the tornado lifted near the intersection of Conley Rd and Jeeter Carswell Rd.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2.19 ENE Brindletown, NC
EF0 category
May 11, 2008
3:30 PM EST-5
Tornado report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A brief tornado touched down just east of South Mountains State Park. Damage was limited to a few downed trees and large limbs.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 12 SSE Morganton, NC
F0 category
May 24, 2000
4:57 PM EST
Tornado report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 11 WSW Morganton, NC
F0 category
May 24, 2000
4:46 PM EST
Tornado report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Bridgewater, NC
F2 category
May 24, 1979
3:57 PM CST
Tornado report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, NC
F1 category
Apr 3, 1974
7:00 AM CST
Tornado report for Burke County, NC
Burke County · 28,316 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, NC
Showing 11 of 11
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 Burke County on the Interactive Map

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Wind
Tornado

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Browse Cities with NWS Storm Reports in Burke County

Morganton, NC 238
Hail, wind & tornado reports
Glen Alpine, NC 121
Hail, wind & tornado reports
Drexel, NC 43
Hail, wind & tornado reports
Icard, NC 36
Hail, wind & tornado reports
Valdese, NC 35
Hail, wind & tornado reports
Hildebran, NC 33
Hail, wind & tornado reports
Salem, NC 23
Hail, wind & tornado reports
Rutherford College, NC 16
Hail, wind & tornado reports
Connelly Springs, NC 13
Hail, wind & tornado reports
Rhodhiss, NC 9
Hail, wind & tornado reports

NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · County

Burke County, NC area census snapshot

People & households
Population87,863
Households35,873
Housing units40,058
Income
Median household income$55,684
$100k+ households32.2%
$150k+ households11.6%
Housing stock
Single-family detached28,316
Attached single-family397
Small multifamily2,960
Large multifamily808
Mobile homes7,536
Housing mix
Single-family share70.7%
Attached-home share1.0%
Multifamily share9.4%
Mobile-home share18.8%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied26,823
Renter-occupied9,050
Vacant units4,185
Home value & age
Median home value$170,500
Owner homes $300k+18.9%
Owner homes $500k+5.3%
Owner homes $750k+2.4%
Median year built1980
Older-home share50.6%
Vehicle context
Households with cars34,300
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 Burke County

28655 371
Morganton, NC Hail, wind & tornado reports
28645 220
Lenoir, NC Hail, wind & tornado reports
28602 140
Hickory, NC Hail, wind & tornado reports
28601 138
Hickory, NC Hail, wind & tornado reports
28090 113
Belwood, NC Hail, wind & tornado reports
28761 93
Nebo, NC Hail, wind & tornado reports
28168 76
Belwood, NC Hail, wind & tornado reports
28612 71
Connelly Springs, NC Hail, wind & tornado reports
28657 58
Newland, NC Hail, wind & tornado reports
28690 36
Valdese, NC Hail, wind & tornado reports
28637 9
Hildebran, NC Hail, wind & tornado reports
28619 5
Drexel, NC Hail, wind & tornado reports
28671 2
Rutherford College, NC Hail, wind & tornado reports
28667 1
Rhodhiss, NC Hail, wind & tornado reports

Get a Remote Hail Inspection

Not sure if hail may have affected your home in Burke 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 Burke County have on record?

Our records show 197 hail, 363 wind, and 11 tornado reports in Burke County, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on September 5, 2026.

What is the largest hail ever reported in Burke County?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in Burke County is 4.50″. It was reported near Morganton, NC on May 24, 2000.

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

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

I am selling a home in Burke 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 Burke County address?

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