14.03.2026 17:01
A severe storm in the state of Illinois, USA, caused significant damage with its large hailstones. In some areas, the hailstones reached the size of grapefruits, damaging vehicles, homes, and windows. Meteorology experts indicated that the system causing the hail was a powerful supercell storm. Due to the storm, power outages occurred in some areas, and local teams began damage assessment efforts.
A severe storm in the state of Illinois, USA, caused significant damage with its large hailstones. It was reported that during the hailstorm observed particularly in the Kankakee area, some hailstones reached a diameter of up to 15 centimeters. Officials state that if measurements of the grapefruit-sized stones are confirmed, this could be one of the largest hailstones in the state's history.
The National Weather Service (NWS) indicated that there are reports of hailstones larger than the 12-centimeter (4.75 inches) hailstone that fell in Minooka in June 2015, which currently holds the state record.
DAMAGED VEHICLES AND HOMES
During the severe storm, the large hailstones that fell from the sky caused serious damage to vehicles, roofs, and windows of homes in the city of Chicago. Images shared on social media showed broken vehicle windows and significant dents on parked cars. Many homes also suffered roof damage.
STRUCK DURING LIVE BROADCAST
The windshield of a meteorological vehicle following the storm was shattered when it was hit by hail during a live broadcast. The moment when baseball-sized hailstones struck the vehicle was captured on camera. These moments quickly resonated on social media.
"SUPER CELL" STORM WAS EFFECTIVE
Meteorology experts explained that the system causing the hail was a powerful supercell storm. It was also noted that the same weather system triggered brief tornado formations in the area.
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT WORK CONTINUES
While power outages occurred in some areas due to the storm, local teams began damage assessment work. Meteorological units are evaluating the size of the fallen hailstones to update official records.
Officials warned citizens living in Illinois and surrounding states to be cautious against the possibility of new storms.