What Happened
On the evening of February 19, 2026, a severe thunderstorm moved through Harrison County, Indiana, producing 1.5-inch diameter hail (ping-pong ball size) and wind gusts up to 70 mph. The NOAA Storm Prediction Center logged 17 separate reports from the Corydon area and surrounding rural communities.
Hail of this size is well above the threshold for roof damage. At 1.5 inches, hailstones impact asphalt shingles with enough force to crack them, dislodge protective granules, and create soft spots that lead to leaks. Combined with the 70mph wind gusts, this storm likely caused widespread damage to roofing, siding, gutters, and outdoor equipment.
Hail Damage Facts — 1.5" Hail
- Impact force: 1.5" hail falls at ~45mph and impacts with enough force to dent aluminum and crack shingles
- Shingle damage: Creates circular impact marks, granule loss, and fractured fiberglass mat
- Hidden damage: Up to 80% of hail damage is invisible from the ground — a professional inspection is required
- Insurance window: Most Indiana homeowner policies allow claims within 1-2 years of the storm date
- Typical claim: $8,000 – $25,000 for a full roof replacement covered by insurance
Affected Areas
The storm primarily impacted the following areas in Harrison County:
- Corydon — county seat, heaviest concentration of reports
- Lanesville — northwestern Harrison County
- Elizabeth — eastern portions
- Rural areas along IN-135 and IN-62 corridors
Why Older Homes Are Most at Risk
Harrison County's housing stock is predominantly from the 1970s and 1980s, meaning many roofs are 40-50 years old. Even if a roof was replaced 20 years ago, asphalt shingles from that era are now at or past their rated lifespan. When 1.5" hail hits an aging roof:
- Existing wear is dramatically accelerated
- Granule loss exposes the underlying asphalt to UV degradation
- Micro-fractures in the shingle mat allow water infiltration
- What was a "few more years left" roof becomes an urgent replacement
What Should Homeowners Do Now?
Post-Storm Checklist
- Document everything: Take photos of your roof, siding, gutters, and any outdoor equipment from the ground
- Check for interior signs: Look for new water stains on ceilings, especially in attic spaces
- Do NOT climb on your roof: Hail damage makes surfaces slippery and structurally weakened
- Contact a licensed roofer for a free inspection — a professional can identify damage invisible from the ground
- File your insurance claim promptly: Indiana policies typically have a 1-2 year claim window, but earlier is better
- Get multiple estimates: Your insurance adjuster will compare against contractor estimates
How Insurance Claims Work for Hail Damage
Most Indiana homeowner insurance policies cover hail damage under the "perils" section. Here's the typical process:
- Free inspection — A licensed roofer documents all hail damage with photos and measurements
- File the claim — You contact your insurance company with the inspection report and NOAA storm data
- Adjuster visit — Your insurance sends an adjuster to verify the damage (your roofer should be present)
- Approval & payment — If approved, insurance pays for a full roof replacement minus your deductible
The average hail damage insurance claim in Indiana results in a $12,000 – $18,000 roof replacement paid for by insurance, with the homeowner only responsible for their deductible (typically $1,000 – $2,500).
Free Roof Inspection for Harrison County Homeowners
If your home is in the Corydon area, you likely have hail damage. We're offering free professional inspections this month — we work directly with your insurance company.
Schedule Free Inspection