Hail history in Lafayette, LA
On average, NOAA recorded hail within 15 miles of the center of Lafayette on 1.8 days a year from 2016 to 2025, 1.3 of them with hail 1 inch or larger. NOAA recorded hail within 15 miles of the center of Lafayette on 32 days since 2010. The largest hail reported was 2.75 in, in 2015. 22 of those days had hail of 1 inch or larger. April has the most hail days, 12 since 2010. The most recent was July 6, 2025. NOAA also recorded high wind on 73 days, with gusts up to 132 mph.
Ranks #85 of 200 US cities for days with hail 1 inch or larger, 2016 to 2025.
- Hail days since 2010
- 32
- Largest hail
- 2.75 in
- Highest gust
- 132 mph
Source: NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center
Data through November 1, 2026
32 hail days within 15 miles since 2010, largest 2.75 in
Source: NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center
Data through November 1, 2026
Hail days by year
Bar chart of hail days per year, 2010 to 2026. 32 hail days in total; the most was 4 in 2011.
Hail days by month
Hail days by month since 2010: Jan 0, Feb 1, Mar 7, Apr 12, May 5, Jun 4, Jul 2, Aug 1, Sep 0, Oct 0, Nov 0, Dec 0.
Most recent hail days
| Date | Largest hail | Nearest report |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 6, 2025 | 1.75 in | 4.4 mi |
| May 6, 2025 | 1.25 in | 4.4 mi |
| Apr 22, 2025 | 1.0 in | 14.5 mi |
| Jun 1, 2024 | 1.0 in | 7.7 mi |
| May 16, 2024 | 0.75 in | 7.1 mi |
| Apr 10, 2024 | 1.0 in | 14.6 mi |
| Apr 9, 2024 | 0.75 in | 5.2 mi |
| Jun 5, 2022 | 1.75 in | 5.6 mi |
| Apr 15, 2021 | 1.0 in | 8.6 mi |
| May 5, 2020 | 1.75 in | 1.0 mi |
About this data
- Distances are from the center of Lafayette, not from any one property. Look up a street address below for a single building.
- Reports come from trained spotters and the public, so they cluster near towns and roads.
- No report does not mean no hail. Hail can fall where no one is there to report it.
- This is not a damage or insurance assessment.
73 high-wind days within 15 miles since 2010, strongest gust 132 mph
Source: NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center
Data through November 1, 2026
Most recent high-wind days
| Date | Highest gust | Nearest report |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 24, 2026 | 58 mph | 1.7 mi |
| Aug 21, 2026 | 76 mph | 1.1 mi |
| Mar 11, 2026 | Not recorded | 12.0 mi |
| Feb 14, 2026 | 132 mph | 8.7 mi |
| Sep 17, 2025 | 58 mph | 2.4 mi |
| Jun 12, 2025 | 58 mph | 8.8 mi |
| May 6, 2025 | 58 mph | 12.5 mi |
| Apr 23, 2025 | 75 mph | 7.6 mi |
| Mar 24, 2025 | 58 mph | 9.2 mi |
| Mar 4, 2025 | 58 mph | 10.6 mi |
About this data
- Distances are from the center of Lafayette, not from any one property. Look up a street address below for a single building.
- Reports come from trained spotters and the public, so they cluster near towns and roads.
- No report does not mean no hail. Hail can fall where no one is there to report it.
- Wind speed is the highest reported gust; some reports have no speed.
- This is not a damage or insurance assessment.
Gusts, tornadoes and hurricanes in Lafayette
Estimated peak gusts
No day since October 1, 2021 had an estimated peak gust of 58 mph or more at Lafayette.
| Day | Estimated peak gust |
|---|---|
| Apr 10, 2024 | 50 mph or more |
| Mar 22, 2022 | 50 mph or more |
Estimates: the highest gust of each storm day in NOAA’s hourly 2.5 km wind analysis (URMA), which fills in between weather stations. Analyses like this smooth out short thunderstorm gusts, so they are best for widespread wind (hurricanes, winter storms, high wind days); for thunderstorm wind, NOAA’s wind reports are the better record. Not a measurement at any building.
Tornadoes within 10 miles
NOAA recorded 50 tornadoes whose path came within 10 miles of Lafayette since 1950; the strongest was rated EF3.
| Day | Rating | Path length | Closest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 13, 2018 | EF2 | 4.13 miles | 9.7 miles |
| Aug 29, 2017 | EF0 | 0.6 miles | 8.2 miles |
| Apr 2, 2017 | EF1 | 0.06 miles | 2.9 miles |
| Jan 9, 2013 | EF1 | 2.06 miles | 8.6 miles |
| Jan 25, 2012 | EF0 | 0.15 miles | 6.9 miles |
| Sep 3, 2011 | EF0 | 0.1 miles | 7.7 miles |
| May 14, 2008 | EF1 | 3.79 miles | 9.4 miles |
| May 14, 2008 | EF1 | 0.85 miles | 0.7 miles |
Show all 50Show fewer
| Day | Rating | Path length | Closest |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2008 | EF0 | 0.69 miles | 2.7 miles |
| May 14, 2008 | EF2 | 7.6 miles | 4.3 miles |
| Feb 12, 2007 | EF2 | 4.31 miles | 10 miles |
| Feb 12, 2007 | EF1 | 2.16 miles | 4.6 miles |
| Apr 29, 2006 | EF0 | 0.2 miles | 7.1 miles |
| Dec 8, 2004 | EF1 | 7 miles | 4.6 miles |
| Jan 25, 2004 | EF2 | 1 miles | 4.9 miles |
| Oct 3, 2002 | EF0 | 1 miles | 4.4 miles |
| Oct 3, 2002 | EF0 | 1 miles | 1.1 miles |
| Oct 3, 2002 | EF0 | 1 miles | 1.1 miles |
| Sep 12, 1998 | EF0 | 1 miles | 1.1 miles |
| Sep 11, 1998 | EF0 | 1 miles | 8.1 miles |
| Nov 21, 1997 | EF1 | 3 miles | 1.1 miles |
| Jan 6, 1995 | EF1 | 5 miles | 4.6 miles |
| May 28, 1994 | EF1 | 2 miles | 9.4 miles |
| Jun 13, 1992 | EF2 | 6 miles | 4.6 miles |
| Jan 12, 1992 | EF1 | 2 miles | 1.1 miles |
| May 14, 1991 | EF0 | 0.2 miles | 2.1 miles |
| May 18, 1989 | EF1 | 0.4 miles | 4.9 miles |
| May 18, 1989 | EF1 | 0.4 miles | 2.1 miles |
| Oct 1, 1988 | EF0 | 0.2 miles | 5.8 miles |
| Jun 18, 1988 | EF1 | 0.4 miles | 8.9 miles |
| May 21, 1988 | EF0 | 0.3 miles | 8.5 miles |
| Mar 2, 1988 | EF1 | 0.8 miles | 1.1 miles |
| Dec 10, 1983 | EF1 | 0.5 miles | 7.5 miles |
| Oct 18, 1980 | EF2 | 0.1 miles | 8 miles |
| May 7, 1978 | EF1 | 0.1 miles | 3 miles |
| Jun 6, 1977 | EF1 | 23.1 miles | 7.2 miles |
| Apr 20, 1977 | EF3 | 3.8 miles | 8 miles |
| Mar 27, 1977 | EF2 | 12 miles | 0.4 miles |
| May 7, 1975 | EF1 | 0.5 miles | 9.2 miles |
| Apr 30, 1975 | EF1 | 0.5 miles | 4.3 miles |
| Apr 30, 1975 | EF1 | 0.1 miles | 2.9 miles |
| Jan 7, 1975 | EF0 | 0.1 miles | 7.1 miles |
| Oct 28, 1974 | EF3 | 7.3 miles | 1.3 miles |
| Dec 6, 1969 | EF2 | 0.5 miles | 3.8 miles |
| Jul 10, 1969 | EF1 | 0.5 miles | 0.4 miles |
| Jan 8, 1965 | EF2 | 1 miles | 6.6 miles |
| Feb 17, 1960 | EF1 | 10.6 miles | 3.5 miles |
| Jun 14, 1959 | EF1 | 17 miles | 3.5 miles |
| Nov 7, 1957 | EF1 | 2 miles | 8.7 miles |
| Nov 21, 1953 | EF2 | 20.4 miles | 5.5 miles |
Source: NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center. Ratings before 2007 are on the original Fujita scale.
Hurricanes and tropical storms
47 storms in NOAA's records brought modeled tropical-storm-force winds (39 mph or more) to Lafayette.
| Storm | Modeled peak gust | Sustained | Closest pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta (2020) | 56 mph | 46 mph | 44 miles |
| Laura (2020) | 54 mph | 44 mph | 76 miles |
| Barry (2019) | 64 mph | 52 mph | 30 miles |
| Isaac (2012) | 53 mph | 43 mph | 41 miles |
| Lee (2011) | 52 mph | 42 mph | 11 miles |
| Ike (2008) | 58 mph | 47 mph | 171 miles |
| Gustav (2008) | 77 mph | 62 mph | 10 miles |
| Rita (2005) | 64 mph | 52 mph | 106 miles |
Show all 47Show fewer
| Storm | Modeled peak gust | Sustained | Closest pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lili (2002) | 71 mph | 58 mph | 18 miles |
| Georges (1998) | 84 mph | 68 mph | 183 miles |
| Andrew (1992) | 93 mph | 76 mph | 20 miles |
| Juan (1985) | 76 mph | 62 mph | 2 miles |
| Danny (1985) | 79 mph | 64 mph | 35 miles |
| Babe (1977) | 56 mph | 45 mph | 37 miles |
| Carmen (1974) | 103 mph | 83 mph | 17 miles |
| Edith (1971) | 75 mph | 61 mph | 2 miles |
| Betsy (1965) | 68 mph | 55 mph | 37 miles |
| Hilda (1964) | 95 mph | 77 mph | 41 miles |
| Arlene (1959) | 55 mph | 45 mph | 32 miles |
| Audrey (1957) | 60 mph | 49 mph | 91 miles |
| Barbara (1954) | 49 mph | 40 mph | 58 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1947 | 65 mph | 52 mph | 31 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1943 | 49 mph | 40 mph | 117 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1940 | 69 mph | 56 mph | 77 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1938 | 50 mph | 41 mph | 85 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1934 | 96 mph | 78 mph | 29 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1932 | 51 mph | 42 mph | 18 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1926 | 65 mph | 53 mph | 36 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1923 | 51 mph | 41 mph | 62 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1920 | 59 mph | 48 mph | 32 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1918 | 50 mph | 41 mph | 75 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1912 | 55 mph | 45 mph | 42 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1909 | 91 mph | 74 mph | 34 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1908 | 51 mph | 41 mph | 30 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1906 | 52 mph | 42 mph | 195 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1897 | 71 mph | 57 mph | 63 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1893 | 48 mph | 39 mph | 144 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1893 | 56 mph | 45 mph | 88 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1888 | 61 mph | 49 mph | 65 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1886 | 70 mph | 57 mph | 92 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1886 | 57 mph | 47 mph | 46 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1879 | 86 mph | 70 mph | 58 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1867 | 65 mph | 53 mph | 76 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1865 | 68 mph | 55 mph | 85 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1865 | 69 mph | 56 mph | 35 miles |
| Unnamed storm, 1860 | 80 mph | 65 mph | 46 miles |
| 1856 Last Island hurricane | 119 mph | 97 mph | 9 miles |
Modeled from NOAA’s best tracks for open, flat ground; not measurements. How we model hurricane winds
90 radar hail days within 15 miles since 2020, largest 4.0 in or more
Source: NOAA MRMS radar (MESH), from October 14, 2020. Estimates of the largest hail in each 1 km cell, not measurements.
39 days with radar hail 1 inch or larger, 3 at 2 inches or larger, within 15 miles of Lafayette’s center.
Biggest radar hail days
- 0.75 in+
- 1.0 in+
- 1.5 in+
- 2.0 in+
- 2.5 in+
- 3.0 in+
Most recent radar hail days
| Date | Largest radar estimate |
|---|---|
| Aug 21, 2026 | 1.5 in or more |
| Aug 6, 2026 | 0.75 in or more |
| Aug 4, 2026 | 0.75 in or more |
| Jul 7, 2026 | 1.0 in or more |
| Jul 5, 2026 | 1.0 in or more |
| Jul 1, 2026 | 0.75 in or more |
Storms in Lafayette
An NWS Lake Charles study found that 67 percent of severe hail reports in its warning area from 1955 to 1995 came from March to May, with May the peak month at 26 percent.1 Around the Lake Charles radar, out to 124 nautical miles and including Lafayette, the Storm Prediction Center averaged 42 damaging-wind days and 28 hail days a year from 1980 to 2006.2
Notable storms
- January 11, 2020Winds estimated at 75 to 100 mph cut a damage path 5 miles long through Lafayette, tearing the roof off one business and damaging at least 15 home roofs. NOAA's storm records list $500,000 in property damage from it.3
- April 2, 2017On the morning of April 2, 2017, half-dollar size hail fell in Lafayette, and an EF1 tornado with winds estimated at 110 mph touched down near Breaux Bridge, killing 2 people.4,5,6
- April 24, 2015Tennis ball to baseball size hail fell at Catahoula and between Breaux Bridge and Parks. Minutes earlier, winds overturned two tractor trailers on Interstate 10 near Breaux Bridge.7,8,9
- September 1, 2008Hurricane Gustav moved northwest across Lafayette Parish on September 1, 2008, and the Lafayette sensor recorded a 77 mph gust before it stopped working ahead of the peak winds. A falling tree killed 1 person, and NOAA's Storm Events Database lists $100 million in property damage in the parish.10,11
- May 15, 2008Early on May 15, 2008, tornadoes did their worst damage around metro Lafayette, where an EF2 tornado that began west of Maurice crossed into Lafayette Parish. An EF1 near the Oil Center caused significant roof damage, broke windows and downed trees and power poles, and NOAA's Storm Events Database lists $3 million in property damage from it.12,13,14
Warnings and alerts
NWS Lake Charles issues warnings for Lafayette Parish, and the parish's free LafayetteNOW system sends weather alerts by text, email or call to anyone who signs up at lafayettela.gov/alerts.15,3,16
Sources
- 1. NWS Lake Charles: Severe Weather Climatology (1950-1995) for the NWSO Lake Charles Parish/County Warning Area
- 2. NOAA Storm Prediction Center: LCH Severe Weather Climatology
- 3. NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: Thunderstorm Wind, Lafayette Parish, January 11, 2020
- 4. NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: Hail, Lafayette Parish, April 2, 2017
- 5. NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: Tornado, St. Martin Parish, April 2, 2017
- 6. NWS Lake Charles: April 2 Tornadoes and Flooding
- 7. NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: Hail, St. Martin Parish, April 24, 2015
- 8. NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: Hail, St. Martin Parish, April 24, 2015
- 9. NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: Thunderstorm Wind, St. Martin Parish, April 24, 2015
- 10. NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: Hurricane, Lafayette Parish, September 1, 2008
- 11. NWS Lake Charles: Hurricane Gustav 2008
- 12. NWS Lake Charles: May 15 2008 Tornado Outbreak
- 13. NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: Tornado, Lafayette Parish, May 15, 2008
- 14. NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: Tornado, Lafayette Parish, May 15, 2008
- 15. NWS Lake Charles: NWS Lake Charles
- 16. Lafayette Consolidated Government: Emergency Alerts
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Questions about hail in Lafayette
Source: NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center
Data through November 1, 2026
- How often does it hail in Lafayette?
- NOAA recorded hail within 15 miles of the center of Lafayette on 1.8 days a year on average from 2016 to 2025, 1.3 of them with hail 1 inch or larger. Since 2010 it recorded 32 hail days.
- When is hail season in Lafayette?
- April has the most hail days within 15 miles of the center of Lafayette, 12 since 2010, then March (7) and May (5).
- What is the largest hail recorded in Lafayette?
- 2.75 in, in 2015: the largest hail NOAA recorded within 15 miles of the center of Lafayette since 2010.
- When did it last hail in Lafayette?
- NOAA's most recent hail report within 15 miles of the center of Lafayette is from July 6, 2025, with hail up to 1.75 in reported 4.4 miles from the center. Data through November 1, 2026.