Powerful Storm System Spawned at Least 4 Tornadoes, 6-Inch Hail: National Weather Service
A storm-damaged Tholens' Landscape & Garden center is seen in the aftermath of a powerful storm that ripped through the area a day earlier in Kankakee, Ill., Wednesday, March 11, 2026. (AP Photo / Nam Y. Huh)
Intense thunderstorms spawned at least four tornadoes across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana on Tuesday, with at least two killed in Indiana as damage assessments continue.
Survey crews from the National Weather Service will be on the ground in the coming days, working with local officials to confirm the total number of tornadoes that touched down, as well as their strength.
In Illinois, Kankakee County bore the brunt of one supercell thunderstorm that was tracked for 100 miles, eventually crossing into Indiana. According to Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey, there was no loss of life.
Illinois Storm Chasers captured dramatic photos and video.
The same supercell produced exceptionally large hail, including one 6-inch hailstone in Kankakee that is awaiting confirmation as the largest ever in Illinois, according to the National Weather Service. Numerous reports were submitted of 3- to 5-inch hailstones.
(National Weather Service)
Another supercell dropped 2- to 4-inch hail on Chicago's southern and western suburbs, including Bolingbrook, Woodridge, Downers Grove and Westmont. The largest hailstone from this cell fell in Darien and measured 4.8 inches in diameter, significantly larger than a softball.
In Chicago, the weather service received reports of quarter-size hail in Humboldt Park and the Loop. Temperatures at O'Hare Airport, the city's official weather station, dropped 24 degrees throughout the day and 1.02 inches of rain was measured, setting a new daily record.
The region is in for another active weather day Wednesday, with more thunderstorms and possibly even snow in the forecast.
Contact Patty Wetli: [email protected]
