June 10, 2015: Giant Hail Observed Near Minooka IL

Overview

Fast Facts:

During the late afternoon and early evening of June 10, multiple storms produced large hail and very heavy rainfall along the I-80 corridor, including across the far southern and southwestern Chicago suburbs. For a listing of rainfall totals, visit here.

The largest hail reported was measured at 4.75" in diameter, two miles north-northwest of Minooka around 7:20 pm. There were many reports of 2.5" diameter hail and larger across Minooka. Severe vehicle damage was noted from within this area.

The 4.75-inch diameter hailstone was previously the state record hailstone for the state of Illinois until being superseded by a 6.6-inch hailstone collected on March 10, 2026.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was in effect for that area, including Minooka, issued at 7:05 pm.

NWS Chicago Doppler Radar Reflectivity Loop: June 10, 2015 from 3:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Hail Record
Hail Safety
Reports
Meteorology

Hail Record:

As determined by a State Climate Extremes Committee, a 4.75-inch diameter hailstone collected 2 miles north-northwest of Minooka, IL, was the hailstone with the largest recorded diameter in the state of Illinois from June 10, 2015, to March 10, 2026. On March 10, 2026, a 6.6-inch diameter hailstone was collected in Kankakee, IL, and subsequently became the new Illinois state record.

State Record Hail Final Report*
*This report is outdated. This Illinois state record was superseded on March 10, 2026.

State Records

Recent State Records Set

Hail Safety Reminders

The National Weather Service received many photos of the large hail on June 10 and these visual reports assisted us with warning messages to better stress the dangerous nature of the storms, as well as verification efforts after. Thank you!

It is important to remember that severe storms are dangerous, and hail to the size of this day can easily injure and even be deadly. While photos may be beneficial to us, ensure safety first and foremost. It is absolutely fine if the hail pictures have to wait to after the storm has ended, because after all, hail of this size will take quite a while to melt!

A reminder that the best place to be in severe storms is inside and central in a sturdy structure, away from windows, and putting as many walls between you and the severe storm as possible.

Storm Reports


Storm Reports from June 10, 2015	NWS Doppler Radar hail detection from June 10, 2015

Text listing of storm reports from June 10, 2015

U.S. storm reports from June 10, 2015

Meteorology

3D perspective of record hail storm, with white circle indicating location of 4.75" diameter hail (2NNW of Minooka, IL).


MLCAPE at 6 pm on June 10, 2015	Effective deep layer shear at 6 pm on June 10, 2015	Precipitable water at 6 pm on June 10, 2015

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Additional recaps can be found on the NWS Chicago Past Events Page