Golf ball-sized hail detected near Aurora, IL on July 4, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Aurora monitoring area. Actual impact can vary by neighborhood, so nearby homes should use this as a signal to check roofs, gutters, siding, and vehicles.
Damage assessment
The radar-confirmed strike landed approximately 15 miles west of downtown Aurora, with one report logged in Kane County that day. At 2.25 inches, hail this size causes functional damage to standard architectural asphalt shingles — not cosmetic. Expect cracked or missing granules, compromised mat integrity, and accelerated moisture intrusion over time, particularly on roofs older than 10–15 years. Kane County's largest recorded event reached 3 inches in April 2023, so this storm ranks below the county's worst, but it clears the threshold where carriers and adjusters take damage claims seriously.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible, your out-of-pocket threshold is $7,000. Typical repair costs for a 2,000 sq ft roof in this market run $9,868 — ranging from $8,074 to $11,663 depending on pitch, complexity, and material costs in the Chicago metro labor market. Get a professional inspection before making any insurance decisions.
At these numbers, the typical repair cost exceeds a standard 2% deductible. Contact your insurer — damage at this level is likely worth filing before you pay out of pocket.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Aurora inspection
Aurora repair cost reference
Historical context
This event ranks 13th of 86 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in Kane County over the past 10 years, a record deep enough to put that ranking in reliable context. The county's largest event on record was 3-inch hail on April 4, 2023. July is historically below average for Kane County hail — only 3 events in 10 years — making this storm an outlier for the month.
Storm system
This was not an isolated event. The same system produced golf ball-sized hail in Scott County, Iowa and hit multiple counties across Illinois and Indiana simultaneously, indicating a broad regional storm line rather than a localized cell.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 4–8 weeks following storm activity in the region, so scheduling sooner limits your wait. The city intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as moderate — Aurora draws out-of-area crews after major regional events, so verify local standing before signing anything. Illinois requires roofing contractors to hold a state license under the Roofing Industry Licensing Act (225 ILCS 335), carry minimum general liability coverage, maintain workers' comp, and post a surety bond — check license status through the IDFPR public database. Illinois also prohibits any contractor from offering to waive or absorb your deductible; that offer is a statutory violation and a clear signal to walk away.
Permits & building code
At 2.25 inches, full replacement is a realistic outcome on older shingle roofs, though inspection results will determine scope. In Aurora, the contractor pulls the permit — expect a permit fee of $150–$350, and a required inspection is part of the process. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Illinois insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, siding, and any skylights or vents before any work begins — date-stamped photos establish pre-repair condition.
- 2Schedule a professional roof inspection with a licensed Illinois contractor to assess functional damage.
- 3Contact your insurance carrier to report potential damage and begin the claims process, given that typical repair costs exceed the estimated deductible.
- 4Verify any contractor's license status through the IDFPR public database and confirm they carry general liability and workers' comp before signing a contract.
- 5Keep all inspection reports, written estimates, and correspondence with your insurer in one file — you'll need the paper trail if the claim is disputed.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Aurora inspection
Hail size and location are based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data (SWDI) and are radar-confirmed; a full NWS written report is pending.