Ramsey, IL Hail Storm – September 2026

Ramsey, Illinois, on September 20, 2026, experienced a multi-alert evening hail event with peak radar-detected hail of 1.2 inches. The cell produced repeated NWS warnings and radar detections along a compact track through the metro.

What Happened

The storm moved through Ramsey in the early evening and generated six separate NWS alerts between 6:03 PM and 10:47 PM CDT. Two alerts included dual-polarization radar detections; four were NWS warning-only reports. Sequence of NWS alerts:

• September 20 · 6:03 PM CDT – 1.00" hail – dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD hail detection).
• September 20 · 6:59 PM CDT – 0.75" hail – NWS warning only.
• September 20 · 7:27 PM CDT – 1.00" hail – NWS warning only.
• September 20 · 7:39 PM CDT – 1.00" hail – NWS warning only.
• September 20 · 10:27 PM CDT – 0.75" hail – NWS warning only.
• September 20 · 10:47 PM CDT – 1.20" hail – dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD hail detection).

Radar-detected returns bracketed the evening warnings, with the highest reflectivity measured at 10:47 PM CDT. The event status is concluded.

Damage Assessment

Measured reports and radar returns place hail sizes in the 0.75–1.2 inch range. On the NWS object scale, 0.75" corresponds to a penny and 1.00" corresponds to a quarter. Hail in the lower end of this range commonly chips paint, cracks thin plastics, and produces surface abrasions on vinyl siding and trim. At quarter-size and slightly above, expect denting of vehicle body panels, cracked skylight glazing on older installations, and accelerated granule loss on worn asphalt shingles.

Concentrated impacts are most likely where hail persisted in heavier cores noted by radar at 6:03 PM and 10:47 PM CDT. Inspectors should prioritize visual inspection of roof shingle granules, vehicle panels, exterior HVAC units, solar panels, and exposed polycarbonate glazing. No spotter-verified damage reports are published on the NWS alerts for this event; assessments should rely on on-site verification.

What Contractors Should Know

Document conditions with date- and time-stamped photos and GPS-tagged locations for each affected asset. Start with high-risk components: roofs (valleys, eaves, ridgelines), vehicle fleets, solar arrays, and exposed mechanical equipment. Note granule loss on asphalt shingles, localized dents on metal panels, and fractured glazing. If work will be referred to an insurer, assemble an itemized scope with repair vs. replace recommendations and include the alert times that correspond to radar detections.

Follow standard safety protocols for roof access and ladder work; schedule hands-on inspections in daylight to confirm impact patterns that are difficult to assess by drone in low light. For solar and glass repairs, test mounts and framing for hidden structural strain before panel replacement. Keep records of pre-existing conditions to distinguish prior wear from new impact damage.