Cordova, IL Hail Storm – May 2026

A hail storm tracked through Cordova, Illinois on May 4, 2026, producing stones up to 1.42 inches during the early and late evening hours. The event produced a long sequence of NWS alerts and multiple radar-detected hail returns along the corridor.

What Happened

NWS issued 23 alerts for the Cordova area between 5:08 PM CDT and 11:31 PM CDT. Alerts alternated between NWS warning only messages and dual-polarization radar detections. Dual-polarization radar identified multiple 1.0-inch-plus returns through the evening, with several radar peaks measured at roughly 1.22, 1.17, 1.28 and 1.25 inches. Those radar returns clustered along a narrow track through the Cordova metro area.

A ground submission from mPING at 10:47 PM CDT reported quarter-sized hail, which was recorded as a 1.00-inch, and is spotter-verified. The spotter report coincides with a late-evening sequence of radar-detected 1.0-inch returns and NWS warnings. Other NWS alerts earlier in the evening included numerous 0.75- to 1.00-inch hail warnings, reflecting repeated pulses within the same storm complex.

Damage Assessment

Surface impacts were limited in the official reports we reviewed. The only spotter-verified ground report in the Cordova area was the mPING submission at 10:47 PM CDT noting 1.00-inch hail. NWS warning messages and radar returns indicate concentrated hail along the storm track rather than broad-area coverage.

Field indicators to expect in and immediately around Cordova include shingle granule loss, small punctures or bruising to asphalt shingles, dents to aluminum trim and vehicle panels, and broken leaves or bruised soft surfaces on siding and foliage. The late-evening timing increased the chance that impacts occurred when many vehicles were parked. There are no widespread structural damage reports tied to this event in the local storm record for Cordova.

Contractors conducting exterior assessments should document hail diameters, timestamp photographs, and tag locations precisely. Photo sets that show scale, orientation, and surrounding context will speed decisions on repair versus replacement.

What Contractors Should Know

Start inspections at properties located nearest the radar-derived track and the 10:47 PM CDT spotter report. Prioritize roof fields that face upward toward the storm track and vehicle lots within the municipal center. Expect rounded dents in soft metals and localized granule loss on shingles. Check gutters, HVAC housing, and exposed conduit for impact marks.

Measure hail-related roof damage with a focus on adjoining shingles. Look for parallel bruising on multiple shingles within short roof runs. If you find isolated surface bruising without granule loss across only a few shingles, document and monitor. If you find broad granular erosion, exposed mat, or curled tabs across multiple roof planes, prepare for replacement options.