Lake Forest Hail — Storm History & NOAA Data for Lake Forest, IL

Data current as of 2026-10-16 · Sourced from NOAA Storm Events

Over the past five years, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has recorded 123 hail storms within 25 miles of Lake Forest, IL. Of those, 121 produced hail at least quarter-size — the threshold most insurance carriers consider potentially damaging to asphalt shingles. The largest reported hail in this window was egg-sized, which can fracture shingle mat and dent metal flashing on contact. 2023 was the most active year on record locally, with 50 documented hail events.

Hail Severity Breakdown — Lake Forest Area (Last 5 Years)

Lake Forest Hail Storms by Year

2023 was the busiest hail year on record locally for Lake Forest, with 50 documented events inside the 25-mile radius. Storm activity in Lake Forest typically peaks in spring and early summer, when the jet stream pushes Gulf moisture into the area and supercell thunderstorms become more frequent.

Notable Recent Lake Forest Hail Storms

• August 10, 2026 — Significant hail (quarter-sized or larger) reported near Vernon Hills. This storm met the quarter-size insurance damage threshold and is a candidate date when filing a claim for Lake Forest-area properties.
• July 27, 2026 — Significant hail (quarter-sized or larger) reported near 1 NW Roselle. This storm met the quarter-size insurance damage threshold and is a candidate date when filing a claim for Lake Forest-area properties.
• July 27, 2026 — Significant hail (quarter-sized or larger) reported near 1 S Hanover Park. This storm met the quarter-size insurance damage threshold and is a candidate date when filing a claim for Lake Forest-area properties.
• July 27, 2026 — Significant hail (quarter-sized or larger) reported near 1 W Medinah. This storm met the quarter-size insurance damage threshold and is a candidate date when filing a claim for Lake Forest-area properties.
• July 27, 2026 — Significant hail (quarter-sized or larger) reported near 2 SE Wauconda. This storm met the quarter-size insurance damage threshold and is a candidate date when filing a claim for Lake Forest-area properties.

Recent Hail Events Near Lake Forest

Wind Storm History — Lake Forest Area (Last 5 Years)

NOAA has recorded 426 high-wind events within 25 miles of Lake Forest, IL in the past five years. Of those, 424 reached severe-thunderstorm thresholds (58+ mph). The highest measured gust was 90 mph.

Recent Wind Events Near Lake Forest

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Forest Hail

When was the last major hail storm in Lake Forest, IL?

The most recent quarter-size-or-larger hail storm recorded by NOAA within 25 miles of Lake Forest was on August 10, 2026. HailCheck refreshes from the NOAA Storm Events database daily, so newer events appear here as they are reported.

How often does it hail in Lake Forest?

Lake Forest averages roughly 25 reported hail events per year within a 25-mile radius. Significant storms (quarter-size or larger) account for 121 of the 123 events recorded over the last five years.

How big does hail typically get in Lake Forest?

The largest documented hail near Lake Forest in the last five years was egg-sized. Most Lake Forest-area hail falls in the marble-to-quarter range, with destructive storms (egg-size or larger) appearing roughly once every few years.

Does my insurance cover hail damage in IL?

Most homeowners insurance policies in IL cover hail damage to roofs, siding, and gutters under the dwelling and other-structures coverage. Coverage typically requires the damage to be tied to a verifiable storm date — which is where the NOAA hail history above (and a HAAG-style test square validation) becomes important for the claim file.

How do I check hail history for a specific Lake Forest address?

Use the HailCheck address search to enter any street address in or near Lake Forest. HailCheck returns every NOAA hail event within a configurable radius, along with severity bands, dates, and storm narratives for Pro members.

What a HAAG-Style Test Square Validation Means in Lake Forest

If your property in or near Lake Forest took on hail during one of the storms above, the standard process for documenting damage is a 10×10 foot test square inspection. A HAAG-trained reviewer counts impact indicators — granule displacement, mat fractures, and bruising — within the marked square and produces a PASS or FAIL document for the claim file.

HailCheck offers a $99 photo-based HAAG-style test square validation. You submit photos from the field, our reviewer evaluates the impact indicators and cross-references the NOAA storm dates listed above, and a written PASS/FAIL determination is returned within one business day. We do not send anyone to the roof — the validation is built around the photos you submit.

Why Lake Forest's Location Matters for Hail

Lake Forest sits east of the traditional hail alley, where hail events are less frequent than the central plains but tend to be associated with strong squall lines and tropical systems. Local roof systems are less commonly hardened for hail, which can mean even moderate impacts produce claim-worthy damage.

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