Golf ball-sized hail detected near Chicago, IL on June 24, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Chicago 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 17 miles south of downtown Chicago, with one hail report logged in Cook County that day. At 2 inches, golf ball-sized hail is large enough to cause functional damage to architectural asphalt shingles — not just cosmetic bruising. Granule loss, cracked tabs, and compromised mat integrity are realistic outcomes at this size. Roofs older than 15 years are most vulnerable; newer installations may show less severe damage but should still be inspected.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible, the out-of-pocket threshold is $7,000. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 sq ft home in this market runs $10,682, ranging from $8,740 to $12,624 — Chicago's above-average labor costs are factored in. 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 Chicago inspection
Chicago repair cost reference
Historical context
Cook County's NOAA storm record for hail at or above 1 inch spans 10 years, and this is the first such event recorded in that period — making the June 24, 2026 storm the largest on record at 2 inches. That said, the data note below flags lower reporting density for this county, so the absence of prior records likely reflects underreporting rather than a genuinely hail-free history. June has logged zero qualifying events in 10 years of available data, which aligns with the lake-influence pattern that pushes more frequent hail activity to the western and southern suburbs.
Storm system
This was not an isolated event — the same system produced hail across a wide corridor on June 24, including quarter-sized hail in Dane County, WI and Peoria County, IL, half-dollar-sized hail in Winnebago County, IL, and ping pong ball-sized hail in DuPage County, IL to the west.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of 4–8 weeks in the Chicago market; scheduling sooner reduces wait time. Storm chaser risk is rated high — Chicago is a documented primary target for out-of-state roofing contractors, and door-to-door solicitation typically begins within 24–48 hours of a significant event. Illinois requires roofing contractors to hold a state license through the IDFPR under the Roofing Industry Licensing Act (225 ILCS 335), with minimum liability coverage, workers' compensation, and a surety bond. Verify license status through the IDFPR public database before signing anything, and reject any contractor who offers to waive your deductible — that's a violation of Illinois law and a reliable red flag.
Permits & building code
At 2 inches, full replacement is a plausible outcome depending on roof age and pre-storm condition; repair is possible on newer roofs with localized impact patterns. In Chicago, the contractor pulls the permit — expect $150–$400 in permit costs and a required inspection upon completion. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Illinois insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior damage from ground level before conditions change.
- 2Contact your insurance company to report the storm event and ask about your wind/hail deductible and inspection process.
- 3Verify any roofing contractor's license through the IDFPR public database before allowing an inspection or signing a contract.
- 4Get the contractor's proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation before work begins.
- 5Keep a file of all inspection reports, written estimates, photos, and correspondence with your insurer and any contractors.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Chicago inspection
Hail detection for this event is sourced from NOAA NEXRAD radar via the Severe Weather Data Inventory (SWDI) and is radar-confirmed, with a full NWS write-up pending.