Two major storms hit Central Ohio in March 2026, bringing 71 mph winds and 1.4-inch hail. Thousands of roofs across Columbus, Westerville, Dublin, and surrounding areas may have hidden damage. Here is what to look for and when to call a professional.
March 2026 was one of the most destructive months for Central Ohio weather in over a decade. Two back-to-back storm systems tore through the region, and if you live in Franklin County or the surrounding area, your roof may have sustained damage you cannot see from the ground. As a fourth-generation roofing family, we have been fielding calls nonstop since these storms hit. Here is what happened, what it means for your home, and what you should do next.
Storm #1: March 13 - 71 MPH Winds Across Central Ohio
On March 13, a powerful wind event swept through the Columbus metro area with sustained gusts reaching 71 mph at OSU Airport. It was the worst windstorm to hit Central Ohio since 2012. AEP Ohio reported 258,000 customers lost power, with over 70,000 outages concentrated in Franklin County alone. Trees came down on homes, fences were flattened, and roofs across the region took a beating.
What does 71 mph wind do to a roof? At that speed, wind gets underneath shingles and lifts them from the decking. Even if shingles do not blow off completely, the adhesive seal strip that bonds each shingle to the one below it can break. Once that seal is broken, the shingle is compromised and vulnerable to future wind and rain. Here are the most common types of wind damage we are seeing from this storm:
- Lifted or creased shingles: Wind forces shingles upward, creasing them at the nail line. They may lay back down but no longer seal properly.
- Exposed nail heads: When shingles lift, the nails holding them and the shingles above become exposed to water infiltration.
- Ridge cap damage: Ridge caps sit at the highest point of your roof and catch the full force of wind. Blown-off or cracked ridge caps are extremely common after 70+ mph gusts.
- Blown-off shingles: Older roofs or roofs with existing wear often lose shingles entirely, leaving the underlayment or decking exposed.
Storm #2: March 23 - 70 MPH Winds and 1.4-Inch Hail
Just ten days later, another powerful system rolled through. Wind gusts hit 70 mph at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, and this time the storm brought large hail. Westerville reported hail measuring 1.4 inches in diameter, roughly the size of a golf ball. Large hail was also confirmed across Franklin, Ross, Pickaway, and Madison counties.
If the March 13 storm weakened your shingles, the March 23 storm likely finished the job. Here is what 1.4-inch hail damage looks like on a roof:
- Bruised shingles: Hail impacts compress the shingle mat and dislodge granules, creating dark spots that accelerate aging.
- Cracked or fractured shingles: Large hail can crack shingles outright, especially on older roofs where the asphalt has become brittle.
- Dented flashing and vents: Metal flashing around chimneys, pipes, and vents dents easily under hail impact, breaking the waterproof seal.
- Granule loss: Golf-ball-sized hail strips the protective ceramic granules off shingles, leaving them exposed to UV damage and water penetration.
How to Do a Safe Ground-Level Inspection
Do NOT climb on your roof. A damaged roof is unstable, and wet or debris-covered surfaces are dangerous. Instead, grab a pair of binoculars and walk the perimeter of your home. Here is what to look for from the ground:
- Shingles in your yard or gutters: Any shingle debris on the ground means your roof lost material.
- Visible gaps or dark patches: Missing shingles appear as dark rectangles against the lighter roof surface.
- Dented gutters or downspouts: If your gutters show hail dents, your shingles almost certainly took hits too.
- Granules in your gutters: Check your downspout outlets for piles of dark, sand-like granules, a sign of significant hail impact.
- Ridge cap damage: Look at the peak of your roof. Missing or crooked ridge caps are visible from the ground.
5 Signs You Need a Professional Inspection
A ground-level check is a good start, but most storm damage is invisible from below. Call a professional if:
- You see any shingle debris in your yard, gutters, or on your driveway.
- Your gutters or siding show hail dents (your roof took the same hits).
- You notice water stains on your ceiling or walls after the storms.
- Your roof is 10+ years old (older shingles are far more vulnerable to storm damage).
- Neighbors on your street are getting roof inspections or filing claims.
Insurance Timeline: Do Not Wait
If you suspect storm damage, file your insurance claim promptly. Ohio does not have a specific statute for filing storm claims, but most homeowners insurance policies require you to report damage within a "reasonable time," typically 60 to 90 days. Waiting too long can give your insurer grounds to deny the claim. Document everything with photos, save any debris you find, and get a professional inspection report to support your claim.
DiYanni Roofing works directly with insurance companies every day. We document damage thoroughly, provide detailed inspection reports, and can meet with your adjuster on-site to make sure nothing is missed.
Get Your Free Storm Damage Inspection
After two storms of this magnitude hitting back-to-back, we strongly recommend every homeowner in Central Ohio get a professional roof inspection. Many of the roofs we have inspected since March 13 had damage the homeowner could not see from the ground.
Our inspections are completely free, with no obligation. We will get on the roof, document any damage with photos, and give you an honest assessment of whether you need repairs, a replacement, or if your roof made it through just fine. Call us at (614) 304-1197 to schedule your inspection, or get a free estimate online. You can also fill out our contact form and we will get back to you within 24 hours.