Chester, IL Hail Storm – June 2026

Chester, Illinois experienced a short-lived hail event on June 1, 2026, producing a peak hailstone diameter of 2.03 inches and concluding that morning. The storm produced multiple NWS warnings and a mapped, multi-zone hail track through the Chester area.

What Happened

The event began in the early morning and concluded by mid-morning on June 1, 2026. The National Weather Service issued two separate warning polygons covering Chester. At 4:12 AM CDT (09:12 UTC) the NWS warned of 1.00-inch hail; that warning used NWS warning only confidence. At 7:19 AM CDT (12:19 UTC) the NWS issued a second warning for 0.75-inch hail; that warning also used NWS warning only confidence. Radar-derived and ground-verified processing identified a maximum hailstone diameter of 2.03 inches within the aggregate storm area. The event produced a multi-zone hail track across Chester rather than a single continuous swath. The storm has concluded and no active warnings remain for Chester.

Damage Assessment

Hail sizes recorded across Chester ranged up to 2.03 inches. Hail in the 0.75–1.00 inch range is capable of dinging vehicle panels, cracking older single-pane glass, and causing minor cosmetic damage to siding. Hail at or above 2.00 inches can fracture asphalt roof shingles, crack skylights, and dent aluminum gutters and HVAC housings. Inspections in Chester should prioritize residential roofs, commercial flat roofs, and parked vehicles near the riverfront and downtown corridors where the hail track density was greatest.

Visible indicators to document on initial assessment include rounded shingle fractures, concentrated dents on vehicle roofs and hoods, perforated solar module glass, and shattered or cracked window glazing. Photographs with a measurement reference and timestamps are critical for items observed in Chester neighborhoods and at municipal facilities. Note roof aspect and exposure for each property inspected, and record the local hail size if measured on-site.

What Contractors Should Know

Safety first. Use fall protection on pitched roofs and ensure ladder placement is secure on wet surfaces. Prioritize triage by risk: open roof penetrations and HVAC damage that could lead to interior water entry rank higher than cosmetic siding dents. For commercial clients, check rooftop mechanical units, skylights, and membrane integrity before addressing low-cost cosmetic repairs.

Document thoroughly and communicate timelines clearly. Take high-resolution photos with a ruler or coin for scale, capture multiple angles, and log GPS coordinates where possible. Provide clients with an initial rapid-assessment report noting likely roof area affected, observed hail indicators, and recommended next steps for temporary coverings or emergency repairs. Coordinate with adjusters and reference the Strike Map when discussing precise hail track locations with property owners.