Quarter-size hail confirmed in Kosciusko County IN — Aug 26, 2026

Quarter-size hail measuring one inch in diameter struck Kosciusko County, Indiana on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 26, 2026, as a storm system moved through northern Indiana during the late afternoon hours. The National Weather Service office in Northern Indiana confirmed two separate hail reports within a ten-minute span, placing communities including Milford, Syracuse, and Warsaw directly in the storm’s path. For residents who were home, the sound of hail striking roofs, siding, and vehicles was hard to miss — and the work of assessing what the storm left behind starts now.

Quarter-size hail — stones roughly the diameter of a U.S. quarter, or 1.00 inch — carries enough force to dent aluminum gutters, crack asphalt shingles, and damage older siding materials. Hail impacts are not always obvious from the ground, and some of the most costly damage — granule loss, cracked shingle matting, dented ridge cap — requires a trained eye to identify. Homeowners in Kosciusko County should conduct a preliminary inspection of their property as soon as it is safe to do so and before the next rain event arrives.

What the National Weather Service Confirmed

According to NWS Northern Indiana (IWX), quarter-size hail measuring 1.00 inch in diameter was confirmed at two locations in Kosciusko County on August 26, 2026. The first report was received near Milford, Indiana at approximately 3:40 PM CDT. A second confirmed report near Syracuse, Indiana followed at approximately 3:50 PM CDT — roughly ten minutes later and just a few miles to the northeast. Both reports were submitted through mPING, the National Weather Service’s crowdsourced weather observation platform, and were processed by the NWS Northern Indiana office.

No injuries or structural damage figures have been confirmed by the National Weather Service at this time. NWS’s role is to document meteorological events and verify surface weather reports; property-level damage assessment falls to homeowners, licensed contractors, and insurance adjusters working in the affected area. Residents seeking updated severe weather data for northern Indiana can visit weather.gov for the latest information from NWS Northern Indiana.

What Homeowners in Milford, Syracuse, and Warsaw Should Check Now

If your property is in or near Milford, Syracuse, or Warsaw, a systematic inspection in the hours following this storm can make a significant difference in how quickly your home is documented and restored. Here is what to look for:

Roof

• From the ground, scan for missing, cracked, or displaced shingles. Use binoculars if available — do not climb onto a potentially damaged roof without proper safety equipment or training.
• Look for granule loss on asphalt shingles. After a hail event, gutters and downspouts frequently collect loose granules washed off the shingle surface — a reliable indicator of impact.
• Inspect flat or low-slope roof sections, skylights, roof vents, and chimney flashing for visible cracks, lifted edges, or impact marks.

Gutters and Downspouts

• Aluminum gutters are among the most visible indicators of hail size and intensity. Look for circular dents consistent with hail strikes along the top and face of the gutter.
• Check that gutters remain properly attached at every bracket and that seams have not been jarred loose by impact.
• Inspect downspout splash areas for an unusually large volume of shingle granules — a sign that the roofing above sustained meaningful surface wear.

Siding

• Walk the full perimeter of your home and look for dents, cracks, or fractures in vinyl, aluminum, or fiber cement siding panels.
• Pay particular attention to soffit and fascia boards, which are frequently damaged in hail events but are often overlooked during informal inspections.
• Wood siding may show splits or surface bruising that is easier to detect while still damp from rain that accompanied the storm.

Windows, Screens, and Exterior Trim

• Window screens are reliable hail indicators — tears or holes in the mesh closely reflect the size and direction of hailstones.
• Inspect window frames, shutters, and exterior painted trim for chipping or impact marks that may allow moisture intrusion over time.
• Check for cracked or broken glass, particularly on older single-pane windows or storm door panels.

Trees, Landscaping, and Drainage

• Downed branches, stripped foliage, and shredded plant material around the yard are visible signs of hail energy and can help establish storm intensity for documentation purposes.
• Clear leaf and branch debris from gutters and downspouts promptly to maintain drainage ahead of any follow-on rain.

Water Intrusion

• Within 24 to 48 hours of the storm, check your attic for signs of moisture, wet insulation, or daylight visible through the roof deck — even small punctures in shingles can allow water infiltration during the next rain.
• Inside the home, look for water stains on ceilings near exterior walls, around chimneys, or adjacent to skylights. Early detection of water intrusion significantly limits secondary damage.

If You Find Damage

Discovering storm damage does not have to be an overwhelming experience. Taking a few organized steps early in the process protects both your property and your insurance claim.

Step 1: Document Everything Before Repairs Begin

Use your smartphone to photograph and video the roof from the ground, damaged gutters, siding panels, window screens, and any interior water staining. Capture both wide-angle shots and close-ups. Date stamps and GPS metadata embedded in phone photos can support an insurance claim. The more thorough your documentation, the stronger your position when your adjuster arrives on-site.

Step 2: Prevent Further Damage

If you have active water intrusion or a visibly compromised roof section, temporary protective measures — such as a tarp properly secured over the affected area — can prevent secondary water damage while a permanent repair is scheduled. Keep all receipts for emergency materials purchased. Most homeowners insurance policies include coverage for reasonable emergency mitigation costs.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Carrier Promptly

File a claim as soon as you have completed your initial documentation. Your insurer will assign an adjuster to inspect the property. As a policyholder, you have the right to have a licensed contractor present during that inspection to ensure all damage areas are identified and properly noted in the adjuster’s report.

Step 4: Work With a Licensed Restoration Contractor

Not every contractor who appears in a neighborhood after a storm is licensed, experienced, or locally accountable. Allied Emergency Services is an Illinois-licensed restoration contractor with 27 years of experience in storm damage assessment and repair across the greater Midwest. We document damage thoroughly, provide detailed repair estimates, and can meet with your insurance adjuster on-site so that nothing is overlooked. Allied performs covered repairs — we do not negotiate, settle, or adjust insurance claims on behalf of policyholders, as those functions are performed by licensed public adjusters.

Learn more about our work at alliedemergencyservices.com/storm-damage-restoration/. For additional emergency preparedness resources, visit ready.gov.

This article is provided as general information only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. Every property and claim is different — consult your insurance carrier and a qualified licensed professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Get a Free Storm Damage Assessment

Our team is standing by around the clock for Kosciusko County homeowners affected by today’s storm. Whether you are seeing obvious damage or simply want a professional set of eyes on your roof and siding, we are ready to help.

• 📞 Call us 24/7: (800) 792-0212
• 📱 Text ESTIMATE to: (844) 907-2546

Allied Emergency Services — 27 years of storm restoration. Local. Licensed. Ready when you need us.