Storm Damage Guide & Risk Calculator

Use the calculator below to estimate property damage risk based on storm type and hail size. Results are educational estimates — not an inspection or insurance assessment.

Storm Damage Risk Calculator

Enter the type of storm and any available measurements to estimate damage risk to your property. This is an educational tool — not an inspection or insurance assessment.

Disclaimer: Results are estimates based on published meteorological data. FindTheTornado does not perform property inspections, repairs, or insurance work. Consult a licensed contractor for actual damage assessment.

Storm Details

Storm type — Select — Hailstorm Tornado Severe Thunderstorm (no tornado)

Estimated wind speed (mph, optional)

Approximate roof age (years, optional)

Calculate Risk Reset

How to use this tool

• Enter the largest hail size reported near your location.
• The calculator estimates damage risk to shingles, siding, windows, and vehicles.
• A "High" or "Severe" result indicates a professional inspection is advisable.
• Document your findings before calling your insurance company.

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Understanding Storm Damage Risk

Hail Damage

Hail damage depends primarily on the diameter of the hailstones. Larger hailstones carry more kinetic energy and can dent metals, crack shingles, and break glass.

Hail size reference guide:

| Size | Diameter | Common Damage |

|——|———-|—————|

| Pea | 0.25″ | Minimal |

| Marble | 0.5″ | Surface marks |

| Penny | 0.75″ | Screen damage, paint chips |

| Quarter | 1.0″ | Shingle granule loss begins |

| Golf ball | 1.75″ | Significant shingle bruising, vehicle dents |

| Baseball | 2.75″ | Severe roof damage, cracked glass |

| Softball | 4.5″ | Catastrophic structural damage |

The SPC threshold for “severe” hail is 1.0″ (quarter size). At that size, asphalt shingles typically begin to show bruising or granule displacement, even if not visually obvious from the ground.

Tornado Damage

Tornado damage is assessed on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, which rates damage from EF0 (light) to EF5 (catastrophic). EF ratings are assigned by NWS meteorologists after a ground or aerial damage survey, which may take days to weeks after the event. Preliminary SPC reports often lack a confirmed EF rating.

What to Do After a Storm

1. Wait for the all-clear. Do not inspect your property until NWS confirms the severe weather has ended and all warnings have expired.

2. Document everything. Photograph all potential damage before cleanup or repairs.

3. Contact your insurer first. Report the event before arranging permanent repairs.

4. Use our After-Storm Checklist to guide your inspection.

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*FindTheTornado.com does not perform inspections, repairs, or insurance work. All damage estimates are for educational purposes only.*