Detroit Hail — Storm History & NOAA Data for Detroit, MI

Data current as of 2026-10-16 · Sourced from NOAA Storm Events

Over the past five years, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has recorded 31 hail storms within 25 miles of Detroit, MI. Of those, 22 produced hail at least quarter-size — the threshold most insurance carriers consider potentially damaging to asphalt shingles. The largest reported hail in this window was ping pong ball-sized, which can fracture shingle mat and dent metal flashing on contact. 2026 was the most active year on record locally, with 13 documented hail events.

Hail Severity Breakdown — Detroit Area (Last 5 Years)

Detroit Hail Storms by Year

2026 was the busiest hail year on record locally for Detroit, with 13 documented events inside the 25-mile radius. Storm activity in Detroit typically peaks in spring and early summer, when the jet stream pushes Gulf moisture into the area and supercell thunderstorms become more frequent.

Notable Recent Detroit Hail Storms

• June 16, 2026 — Significant hail (quarter-sized or larger) reported near 2 NE Franklin. This storm met the quarter-size insurance damage threshold and is a candidate date when filing a claim for Detroit-area properties.
• June 16, 2026 — Significant hail (quarter-sized or larger) reported near FRANKLIN. This storm met the quarter-size insurance damage threshold and is a candidate date when filing a claim for Detroit-area properties.
• June 14, 2026 — Significant hail (quarter-sized or larger) reported near ROCKWOOD. This storm met the quarter-size insurance damage threshold and is a candidate date when filing a claim for Detroit-area properties.
• June 14, 2026 — Significant hail (quarter-sized or larger) reported near South Rockwood. This storm met the quarter-size insurance damage threshold and is a candidate date when filing a claim for Detroit-area properties.
• June 10, 2026 — Significant hail (quarter-sized or larger) reported near Dearborn Heights. This storm met the quarter-size insurance damage threshold and is a candidate date when filing a claim for Detroit-area properties.

Recent Hail Events Near Detroit

Wind Storm History — Detroit Area (Last 5 Years)

NOAA has recorded 156 high-wind events within 25 miles of Detroit, MI in the past five years. Of those, 155 reached severe-thunderstorm thresholds (58+ mph). The highest measured gust was 76 mph.

Recent Wind Events Near Detroit

Frequently Asked Questions About Detroit Hail

When was the last major hail storm in Detroit, MI?

The most recent quarter-size-or-larger hail storm recorded by NOAA within 25 miles of Detroit was on June 16, 2026. HailCheck refreshes from the NOAA Storm Events database daily, so newer events appear here as they are reported.

How often does it hail in Detroit?

Detroit averages roughly 6 reported hail events per year within a 25-mile radius. Significant storms (quarter-size or larger) account for 22 of the 31 events recorded over the last five years.

How big does hail typically get in Detroit?

The largest documented hail near Detroit in the last five years was ping pong ball-sized. Most Detroit-area hail falls in the marble-to-quarter range, with destructive storms (egg-size or larger) appearing roughly once every few years.

Does my insurance cover hail damage in MI?

Most homeowners insurance policies in MI cover hail damage to roofs, siding, and gutters under the dwelling and other-structures coverage. Coverage typically requires the damage to be tied to a verifiable storm date — which is where the NOAA hail history above (and a HAAG-style test square validation) becomes important for the claim file.

How do I check hail history for a specific Detroit address?

Use the HailCheck address search to enter any street address in or near Detroit. HailCheck returns every NOAA hail event within a configurable radius, along with severity bands, dates, and storm narratives for Pro members.

What a HAAG-Style Test Square Validation Means in Detroit

If your property in or near Detroit took on hail during one of the storms above, the standard process for documenting damage is a 10×10 foot test square inspection. A HAAG-trained reviewer counts impact indicators — granule displacement, mat fractures, and bruising — within the marked square and produces a PASS or FAIL document for the claim file.

HailCheck offers a $99 photo-based HAAG-style test square validation. You submit photos from the field, our reviewer evaluates the impact indicators and cross-references the NOAA storm dates listed above, and a written PASS/FAIL determination is returned within one business day. We do not send anyone to the roof — the validation is built around the photos you submit.

Why Detroit's Location Matters for Hail

Detroit sits east of the traditional hail alley, where hail events are less frequent than the central plains but tend to be associated with strong squall lines and tropical systems. Local roof systems are less commonly hardened for hail, which can mean even moderate impacts produce claim-worthy damage.

Other Cities in MI

• Grand Rapids, MI
• Warren, MI
• Sterling Heights, MI
• Lansing, MI
• Ann Arbor, MI
• Clinton Township, MI
• Flint, MI
• Dearborn, MI
• Livonia, MI
• Canton, MI
• Troy, MI
• Westland, MI
• Farmington Hills, MI
• Kalamazoo, MI
• Waterford, MI
• Wyoming, MI
• Shelby, MI
• Rochester Hills, MI
• Southfield, MI
• West Bloomfield Township, MI
• Taylor, MI
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• Saint Clair Shores, MI
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