Hail in McDonough County, IL
NOAA radar has confirmed 4 hail events of 1 inch or larger in McDonough County since 2025, the largest 1.3″ (half dollar) on June 17, 2026. The most recent confirmed hail was June 17, 2026.
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About McDonough County, IL
McDonough County sits in the gently rolling farm country of west-central Illinois, on the prairie between the Illinois and Mississippi river valleys. Hail here is uncommon and tends to ride spring frontal boundaries that sweep storms across the open ground, occasionally dropping stones up to about quarter size. The Quad Cities (KDVN) radar lies roughly 80 miles to the north, far enough that it samples storm tops more reliably than the lowest reaches of a developing cell.
The hail record for McDonough County, IL
This year has run hot: 3 confirmed events in 2026 already, ahead of the recent pace.
Most confirmed hail in McDonough County falls between spring and early summer, with June the busiest month.
McDonough County is no Plains hot spot, but the storms that do reach it have still dropped hail up to 1.3″.
Common questions
How often does it hail in McDonough County?
NOAA radar has confirmed 4 severe hail events (1 inch or larger) in the McDonough County area since 2025.
When is hail season in McDonough County?
Hail in McDonough County is concentrated in June, within a season that runs spring into early summer.
What's the largest hail recorded in McDonough County?
Radar confirmed 1.3-inch hail, about half dollar size, on June 17, 2026.
Does homeowner's insurance cover hail damage?
Hail is a covered peril under most standard homeowner's policies (typically HO-3), subject to your deductible. Whether you have replacement-cost or actual-cash-value coverage makes a big difference in what's paid out. Your declarations page will say which.
Is McDonough County's hail big enough to damage a roof?
It can be. Asphalt shingles can begin showing functional damage in the ¾-to-1-inch range, and McDonough County's confirmed hail reaches 1.3″. At these sizes damage is often hard to see from the ground, so whether it's a claimable loss depends on shingle type, age, and an inspection.
Is hail getting worse in McDonough County?
Nationally, the research on long-term hail trends is mixed. Better radar coverage since the 1990s makes real increases hard to separate from improved detection. In McDonough County, 3 confirmed events have been recorded in 2026 so far, but the tracked record is still short, so it isn't evidence of a lasting trend.
Did it hail in McDonough County in 2026?
Yes, 3 confirmed hail events so far in 2026, most recently June 17, 2026.
Recent confirmed hail near McDonough County, IL
What this means for your home
Damage can be invisible from the ground
At McDonough County's typical sizes, hail often bruises shingles and loosens granules without obvious holes, shortening roof life in ways that are easy to miss until the next storm or an inspection.
Document before you repair
If you suspect hail damage, photograph it and note the storm's date before making any repairs. Undocumented or already-fixed damage is much harder to claim later.
Claims have deadlines
Policies set a deadline for hail-damage claims, and state law may also apply. Windows range from months to several years depending on your state and policy. Knowing the exact date hail hit your address helps you file on time.
Replacement cost vs. actual cash value
An RCV policy pays to replace your roof at today's prices; an ACV policy subtracts depreciation for the roof's age, which can mean a much smaller check on an older roof. Knowing which you carry shapes what a hail claim is actually worth.
Keep a 'before' record
Photos of your roof and exterior in good condition make new hail damage much easier to prove later. A few shots now, before the next storm, can save an argument with an adjuster over what's old wear and what's storm damage.
Know your hail deductible
Many policies in hail-prone states use a percentage deductible, often 1–2% of the home's insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. On a $400,000 home that can be $4,000–$8,000 out of pocket before coverage starts, so it's worth checking your declarations page before a storm.
Before you call your insurer
Get the radar evidence for your address.
A NOAA Radar Evidence Report documents exactly what federal radar recorded at your address - hail size, date, and signature - in a formatted PDF you can attach to a claim. Built entirely from public NOAA data.
Events are NOAA/NWS Severe Thunderstorm Warnings with confirmed hail ≥ 1 inch, matched to this county by the warning centroid. Federal public-domain data. A confirmed event indicates radar-detected hail over the area, not a guarantee of damage to any specific property.