Mascoutah, IL Hail Storm – May 2026

A hail-producing storm tracked through Mascoutah, Illinois on May 4, 2026, producing 2-inch hail and a sequence of radar-detected and NWS warning-only alerts across late afternoon and evening. Spotters relayed multiple broadcast reports of 1.5-inch and 1-inch stones during the late-evening period.

What Happened

A radar-detected hail signature appeared in the Mascoutah area in the mid-afternoon, with an initial dual-polarization radar detection of 1-inch hail at 2:48 PM CDT. The line redeveloped in the early evening. The National Weather Service issued a warning at 6:08 PM CDT, followed by dual-polarization radar detections near 6:37 PM CDT and 7:10 PM CDT showing up to 1.75-inch hail signatures. Additional NWS warning-only alerts were issued later in the evening, beginning around 9:08 PM CDT and continuing through 10:25 PM CDT.

Field reports arrived later and concentrated in the late-evening window. A spotter relayed by broadcast media at 8:57 PM CDT reported 1.5-inch hail near Mascoutah. Broadcast media relays at 8:25 PM CDT and 9:38 PM CDT recorded 1-inch stones. A final spotter relay at 10:28 PM CDT again reported 1-inch hail. Radar detections earlier in the evening and the sequence of NWS warning polygons outline a multi-hour track through the Mascoutah area.

Damage Assessment

Local storm reports and spotter relays indicate surface impacts focused on the Mascoutah area between early evening and late evening. Broadcast media relays logged a 1.5-inch observation at 8:57 PM CDT and multiple 1-inch observations around 8:25 PM CDT and 9:38 PM CDT. Dual-polarization radar detected stronger signatures earlier in the evening in the same corridor.

NWS local storm reports relayed via broadcast media documented stone sizes but did not include widespread structural-collapse or fatality reports for this event. Observers noted hail accumulation on vehicles and open surfaces in several relay reports. Reported impacts were concentrated along the radar-indicated track through and just north of Mascoutah during the 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM CDT period.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize inspections along the late-evening track through Mascoutah. Start with properties that have unobstructed exposure to the sky and with high-value roof coverings. Based on spotter relays, focus first on locations reporting 1.5-inch and 1-inch stones near 8:25 PM CDT–9:00 PM CDT. Look for shingle bruising, granular loss, split shingle edges, and dents in soft metals. Photograph hail impacts with a measurable scale and record the property address and the time of inspection.

Vehicle and accessory inspections should run parallel to roofing checks. The broadcast-relayed reports and radar signatures indicate concentrated strikes on parked vehicles and exposed equipment. Examine gutters, roof-mounted HVAC units, skylights, and window screens for impact damage. When daylight inspections are not possible, conduct a preliminary nighttime visual check for obvious glass, siding, or large-panel damage, then schedule a daylight follow-up for detailed roof evaluation.