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Norfolk hail storm history

Madison County·NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database·~75-day publication lag

Norfolk is located in Madison County, a region where atmospheric conditions frequently produce hail-capable storms. The area sits in central Nebraska's hail corridor, where the convergence of Gulf moisture, elevated atmospheric instability, and low-level wind patterns create an environment conducive to severe thunderstorm development.

Events ≥1" (10yr)
147
Significant ≥1.5" (10yr)
51
Avg per year (10yr)
14.7
Largest recorded
3.5"
Most recent
Sep 23, 2025
Total records
158
NOAA storm history
events (10 yr)147
≥1.5" significant51
peak year (31)2017
Free inspection estimate

Check if your roof was damaged by recent hail

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Norfolk experiences peak hail activity during May and June, with secondary activity extending into April and July. During these months, the combination of warm surface temperatures and upper-level wind shear favors the development of organized supercell thunderstorms capable of producing large hail. Spring and early summer represent the highest-risk period for significant hail events in this area.

Annual frequency — last 10 years

2025
15
2024
16
2023
25
2022
4
2021
23
2020
8
2019
3
2018
14
2017
31
2016
8
≥2.0" severe≥1.5" significant≥1.0" marginal

When hail hits — monthly pattern

Avg events per month · all years · NOAA data

Jan0
Feb0
Mar3
Apr20
May14
Jun56
Jul29
Aug17
Sep10
Oct9
Nov0
Dec0

All recorded hail events

Of 158 recorded events, 51 (32%) reached 1.5" or larger — the threshold for likely functional damage on standard asphalt shingles.

Sep 23, 20250.75"penny

Public report of hail estimated up to 0.75 inches in diameter. Report received via mPING.

Public report of hail measured at 1 inch in diameter.

Fire department report of hail estimated up to 1.75 in. in diameter.

Jul 8, 20251"quarter

Trained spotter report of hail measured up to 1 inch in diameter.

Jul 7, 20251"quarter

Public report of hail estimated up to quarter sized mixed in with dime sized hail.

Emergency manager report of hail measured up to 1 inch in diameter.

Trained spotter report relayed by EM. Spotter had nickel to quarter size hail.

Aug 29, 20241"quarter

A storm chaser reported quarter sized hail.

A trained spotter reported quarter sized hail.

Jul 29, 20241.25"half dollar

The office received a public report of half dollar sized hail.

The office received a couple reports of quarter sized hail in the town of Wayne from both public sou…

The office received a public report of quarter sized hail.

The office received a public report of tennis ball sized hail.

This is the start of a swath of golf ball sized hail reported to the office from the public.

Apr 1, 20241"quarter

Emergency management sent in a photo of hail in Stanton, NE. Most of the hailstones were around half…

Several reports from the public of quarter sized hail in Norfolk.

Broadcast media relayed report of 2-inch hail.

Public reported 2-inch hail via social media.

Public reported 1.25-inch hail.

Public reported 1-inch hail.

Jun 16, 20231"quarter

Trained spotter reported 1-inch hail.

CoCoRaHS observer reported 1.75-inch hail.

Public reported 1-inch hail.

Oct 23, 20221.25"half dollar

Public reported multiple vehicles damaged by 1.25-inch hail.

Aug 19, 20221"quarter

Several reports received from the public, one was for hail up to quarter size. Several reports withi…

May 17, 20221.5"ping pong ball

Trained spotter reported ping pong ball sized hail.

May 12, 20221.25"half dollar

Public reported 60 mph wind gusts and hail up to 1.25 inches in diameter.

Public reported vis social media 1.5-inch hail in Pierce.

Public reported 1 inch hail.

Trained spotter reported 2 inch hail.

May 3, 20211"quarter

Trained spotter reported 1 inch hail.

Report from MPing for 1.25 inch hail.

Aug 31, 20201"quarter

Trained spotter reported 1 inch hail.

Jun 22, 20201.3"half dollar

Public reported 1.3 inch hail.

Oct 1, 20191"quarter

The public reported quarter size hail.

Sep 2, 20191"quarter
Jul 13, 20191"quarter

Spotters reported mostly nickel size hail, but a couple of quarter size hailstones were also reporte…

Jul 28, 20181.75"golf ball

Golf ball size hail was reported by the Humphrey Police.

People reported a large quantity of haii ranging from penny size to quarter size 1 mile northwest of…

Nickel to quarter size hail 1/2 mile west of Carroll in Wayne County.

May 1, 20181"quarter

Quarter size hail was reported about 4 1/2 miles southwest of Howells.

Sep 24, 20170.75"penny

Penny size hail was reported just south of Howells.

One inch hail stones were wind driven and pounded sidings of homes in Norfolk.

A trained spotter had quarter size hail and 50 to 60 mph winds.

Jun 14, 20171.5"ping pong ball

Hail large than half dollars was reported in Madison.

Oct 6, 20160.88"penny
Sep 15, 20161.75"golf ball
May 26, 20161"quarter
Mar 23, 20160.88"penny
Data source

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information Storm Events Database. Publication lag is approximately 75 days — current-year events may be incomplete.

NOAA Storm Events Database ↗