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NOAA/NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER REPORTS + U.S. CENSUS DATA

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 46304

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near ZIP 46304 from June 8, 1958 through August 11, 2026, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.

Example: 55401 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code 
Hail Reports
11
Wind Reports
47
Tornado Reports
7
Max Hail Size
1.75″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  ZIP 46304 · 1958–present Updated  Daily · last Aug 11, 2026

Latest NWS Hail Reports in and near ZIP 46304

11 reports
Free hail report for your home →
1.25″ hail
May 7, 2024
8:05 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 NNE Porter, IN
1.00″ hail
Oct 12, 2020
7:45 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: REPORTED AT HIGHWAY 12 AND 149... BURNS HARBOR... IN. TIME ESTIMATED.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 N Burns Harbor, IN
1.00″ hail
Mar 31, 2016
8:30 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Chesterton, IN
0.75″ hail
Jan 28, 2013
11:52 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2.45 E Ogden Dunes, IN
1.00″ hail
Jan 28, 2013
11:50 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail lasted for five minutes and completely covered the ground. Hail size ranged from peas up to quarters.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 SW Porter, IN
1.00″ hail
May 11, 2011
5:41 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: N Chesterton, IN
0.75″ hail
Jun 27, 2007
4:30 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: W Chesterton, IN
1.75″ hail
Aug 23, 2006
5:59 PM CST
Hail report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Golf ball size hail was reported at Route 20 and Bean Road.
NWS Hail Report Location: Chesterton, IN
0.88″ hail
Jun 7, 2005
2:00 PM CST
Hail report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Nickel size hail was reported at the Indiana Dunes National Park.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 NE Porter, IN
1.00″ hail
May 23, 2004
9:02 PM CST
Hail report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Chesterton, IN
1.50″ hail
Apr 10, 1999
6:15 PM EST
Hail report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Chesterton, IN
Showing 11 of 11
Hail Damage Risk for Your Home +

Hail reports describe hail by diameter, often comparing stone size to familiar objects like peas, quarters, golf balls, and softballs. Use this guide as a starting point for possible hail damage to your roof, siding, gutters, vents, windows, and exterior. Actual hail damage depends on hail hardness, density, wind speed, impact angle, roof age, shingle condition, roof pitch, roofing material, installation quality, and prior storm damage.

Pea
0.25″
Low

Usually too small to cause hail damage to most sound asphalt roofs, siding, or gutters.

Mothball
0.50″
Sub-Severe Watch

Below the NWS severe-hail threshold, but not always harmless. Repeated small hail can scuff surfaces, wear aging shingles, and loosen protective granules over time.

Penny
0.75″
Minor / Watch

Below the NWS severe-hail threshold, but roof hail damage is still possible on older, brittle, poorly installed, or previously damaged shingles. May also mark screens, vents, gutters, and soft metal.

Nickel
0.88″
Minor / Watch

Still below the severe-hail threshold, but large enough to leave visible marks on soft metal and add wear to older or hail-weakened roof shingles.

Quarter
1.00″
Watch

The NWS severe-hail threshold. Quarter-size hail can bruise shingles, dent soft metal, and create roof hail damage worth checking.

Half Dollar
1.25″
Watch

More likely to dent gutters, vents, flashing, and siding. Hail damage risk rises quickly on older roofs or hail-weakened shingles.

Ping Pong / Walnut
1.50″
Likely

Hail damage becomes more likely, including bruised shingles, granule loss, dented siding, and damaged roof vents.

Golf Ball
1.75″
Likely

Often causes roof hail damage, cracked shingles, dented gutters, damaged flashing, and siding impacts. A roof inspection is recommended.

Hen Egg
2.00″
Serious

Can crack or puncture shingles, expose mat, dent siding, and cause widespread hail damage across the roof and exterior.

Tennis Ball
2.50″
Serious

Can cause heavy roof hail damage, punctured siding, broken skylights, damaged vents, and widespread exterior damage.

Baseball
2.75″
Major

Major hail damage is likely, including severe roof impacts, damaged siding, broken windows, and possible major roof repairs.

Tea Cup / Large Apple
3.00″
Major

Can cause heavy hail damage across the roof, siding, gutters, windows, and exterior. Significant repairs are often needed.

Softball
4.00″
Extreme

Destructive hail damage. Can severely damage roofing materials, siding, windows, gutters, vents, vehicles, and exterior surfaces.

Grapefruit
4.50″
Extreme

Catastrophic hail damage risk for roofs, windows, vehicles, siding, gutters, and exterior surfaces.

Source: NOAA / National Weather Service hail size references are used for hail-size comparisons and the 1.00″ severe-hail threshold. Damage descriptions are general homeowner guidance, not official NOAA/NWS damage ratings. Sub-severe hail under 1.00″ is below the severe threshold, but that does not mean “no roof damage.” Penny- to nickel-size hail can still contribute to granule loss, cosmetic surface marks, and added wear, especially on older, brittle, poorly installed, or previously damaged roofs.

Latest NWS Wind Reports in and near ZIP 46304

47 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
60 mph
Aug 11, 2026
4:23 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Private weather station.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 W Dune Acres, IN
UNK mph
Aug 11, 2026
4:20 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Video shared to social media shows widespread tree damage along 250 East Road north of Tratebas Road. Roadway blocked in multiple areas due to large branches downed and a few trees uprooted. Time est
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 Se Chesterton, IN
UNK mph
Aug 11, 2026
4:18 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: large tree snapped at base_ blocking roadway.
NWS Wind Report Location: Chesterton, IN
UNK mph
Aug 11, 2026
4:18 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: tree down across Porter Ave_ blocking roadway.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 Ese Chesterton, IN
57 mph
Jul 27, 2026
9:54 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Private weather station reported 57 mph gust near Dune Acres along the Lake Michigan shore.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 Wnw Dune Acres, IN
UNK mph
Jul 27, 2026
9:48 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Multiple tree branches downed along I-80 I-90 Indiana Toll Road near mile marker 31. Time estimated by radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 Se Chesterton, IN
UNK mph
Jul 27, 2026
9:46 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Dozens of mature trees downed at the Coffee Creek Preserve in Chesterton. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 Se Chesterton, IN
UNK mph
Jul 27, 2026
9:45 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Extensive tree damage reported in and around Chesterton extending southward toward Valparaiso. Damage consists of uprooted and snapped trees. Time estimated by radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 Ssw Chesterton, IN
UNK mph
Jul 27, 2026
9:43 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A large tree 2 to 3 feet in diameter was uprooted and fell on a house on Greenwood Drive. Other significant tree damage nearby.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 Sse Chesterton, IN
UNK mph
Jul 27, 2026
9:41 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A large tree limb was snapped and blocking Porter Avenue between Calumet Road and Route 49.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 Ese Chesterton, IN
UNK mph
Jul 27, 2026
9:41 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Porter County EMA reports branch broken near West Indiana Avenue and 2nd Street. Time estimated by radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 E Chesterton, IN
UNK mph
Jun 17, 2026
12:51 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Indiana Dunes National Park law enforcement report numerous trees and powerlines downed across the park. Two large branches approximately 20 inches in diameter fallen on park structures. Time estimated by radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 E Dune Acres, IN
UNK mph
May 18, 2025
1:46 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Large trees down at Bailly Elementary School. Time estimated by radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 SE Chesterton, IN
UNK mph
May 7, 2024
8:11 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: CR50 and US 20 Tree down on road.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 NNE Porter, IN
UNK mph
May 7, 2024
8:07 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Large trees snapped near base.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 SW Porter, IN
Showing 15 of 47
Wind Damage Risk for Your Home +

Storm reports list thunderstorm wind gusts in mph. The NWS marks storms as severe at 58+ mph, but wind damage to your home depends on roof age, shingle condition, installation, exposure, nearby trees, and prior hail or wind damage.

Below Severe
Under 58 mph
Minor

Usually little damage to a sound roof, but loose shingles, flashing, or debris may shift.

Severe
58–74 mph
Watch

Can loosen shingles, lift flashing, break limbs, and damage gutters, siding, fences, or trim.

Damaging
75–90 mph
Serious

Can peel shingles, damage vents, tear siding, rip gutters, and expose weak roof areas.

Extreme
90+ mph
Major

Can cause major roof covering loss, tree damage, broken windows, and structural damage.

Source: NOAA / National Weather Service storm reports. Gusts may be measured or estimated; actual wind damage varies by roof condition, exposure, and prior hail or wind damage.

Latest NWS Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 46304

7 reports
UNK category
Sep 7, 2024
1:06 PM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: [Landspout] Social media video of a waterspout moving onshore at Indiana Dunes State Park. Time estimated.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1 NE Dune Acres, IN
EF2 category
Aug 19, 2009
6:32 PM CST-6
Tornado report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A tornado touched down in southern Chesterton east of 11th Street and southwest of South Park Drive. The tornado quickly intensified as it moved to the northeast and caused the partial collapse of a gymnasium roof at the Chesterton Junior High School. A wind gust to 105 mph was measured by an anemometer near the school. This damage along with numerous trees that were either uprooted or sheared off was caused by tornado winds reaching 110 mph. The tornado was rated EF1 at this point with a path width of 40 yards. The tornado continued to track to the northeast across the New York Central railroad tracks toward Grant Avenue where the roof of a warehouse had been peeled off and thrown about 15 yards behind the building to the north. The tornado continued to the northeast where an apartment building on Brown Avenue lost its entire roof. This damage was caused by tornado winds reaching 120 mph. The tornado damage was rated EF2 through this area with a path width of 60 yards. In the city of Chesterton, 211 structures sustained damage; 8 were completely destroyed; 54 suffered major damage, such as trees falling through roofs. The remaining 149 structures sustained damage such as missing shingles or damaged gutters. Multiple vehicles were damaged by falling debris from buildings or trees. Numerous power lines were blown down along with utility poles blown down or snapped. This EF2 damage continued northeast where an entire field of healthy old hardwood tree trunks were snapped off or uprooted. The tornado then started to slightly weaken as it approached the Interstate 94 eastbound exit/westbound entrance ramps at Indiana Highway 49. A home south of the interstate had a garage roof blown off with still numerous trees uprooted or sheared off. Tornado wind speeds here were estimated at 100 mph with an EF1 rating. Similar tree damage was noted along a path that continued to go to the northeast across Highway 49 and toward Highway 20 near Hadenfelt Road where some aluminum roofing material of a storage facility had been peeled off. Tornado wind speeds were estimated at 95 mph here and was rated EF1 with a path width of 30 yards. The tornado continued to move through a heavily forested area in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, eventually crossing Highway 12. Radar imagery and an aerial survey suggests that the tornado dissipated north of Highway 12.
NWS Tornado Report Location: .83 WNW Chesterton, IN
F0 category
Jun 6, 1980
2:20 AM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, IN
F0 category
Jul 9, 1966
11:53 AM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, IN
UNK category
Apr 25, 1965
4:00 PM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, IN
F1 category
Apr 30, 1960
1:00 PM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, IN
F1 category
Jun 8, 1958
5:30 AM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 46304
Porter County · 53,961 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, IN
Showing 7 of 7
Tornado Damage Risk for Your Home +

After a tornado, the National Weather Service assigns an EF rating from EF0 to EF5 based on surveyed damage. The rating estimates wind speed from what the tornado damaged, so actual damage can vary by construction quality, roof age, garage doors, windows, trees, debris, and how close the home was to the tornado path.

EF0
65–85 mph
Light

Can peel shingles, damage gutters or siding, break tree limbs, and toss loose outdoor items.

EF1
86–110 mph
Moderate

Can strip roof covering, damage exterior doors, break windows, snap trees, and cause heavier siding or gutter damage.

EF2
111–135 mph
Serious

Can tear off large sections of roofing, break or uproot trees, destroy weaker structures, and cause major exterior damage.

EF3–EF5
136+ mph
Severe

Can remove roofs and walls, destroy large portions of homes, toss vehicles, and cause severe to total destruction near the path.

Source: NOAA / National Weather Service. EF ratings are assigned after a post-storm damage survey and are based on observed damage, not a direct measurement at every home.

NWS Hail, Wind and Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 46304 on the Interactive Map

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NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · ZIP Code

ZIP 46304 area census snapshot

People & households
Population27,402
Households10,917
Housing units11,521
Income
Median household income$88,551
$100k+ households48.8%
$150k+ households21.1%
Housing stock
Single-family detached8,278
Attached single-family773
Small multifamily1,578
Large multifamily579
Mobile homes313
Housing mix
Single-family share71.9%
Attached-home share6.7%
Multifamily share18.7%
Mobile-home share2.7%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied8,329
Renter-occupied2,588
Vacant units604
Home value & age
Median home value$278,300
Owner homes $300k+42.5%
Owner homes $500k+9%
Owner homes $750k+2.0%
Median year built1983
Older-home share48.1%
Vehicle context
Households with cars10,423
Free hail maps

This snapshot is for local area context only and describes the selected state, county, city, or ZIP area — not a specific home or property. For ZIP-level estimated hail impact, use Free Hail Maps to generate a hail report with key impact details for that ZIP.

Frequently asked questions

for homeowners, buyers & sellers
How many hail, wind, and tornado reports does ZIP 46304 have on record?

Our records show 11 hail, 47 wind, and 7 tornado reports in and near ZIP 46304, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on August 11, 2026.

What is the largest hail ever reported in ZIP 46304?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in and near ZIP 46304 is 1.75″. It was reported near Chesterton, IN on August 23, 2006.

A storm report showed up near my home in ZIP 46304 — does that mean my roof is damaged?

Not necessarily. A storm report only means hail, wind, or a tornado was observed nearby; it does not confirm damage at any specific address, and conditions change from block to block. Check an address-level hail report first, and if it looks significant, find a local pro that serves ZIP 46304 and ask about a Remote Hail Inspection before anyone climbs on the roof.

I am buying a home in ZIP 46304 — why should I look at its storm history?

Recent hail or wind can leave a roof or exterior with damage that is easy to miss during a walkthrough, and a recent roof replacement is sometimes an insurance job after a storm. Reviewing the storm history for a ZIP 46304 address before closing helps you ask informed questions about roof age, past repairs, and any prior claims.

I am selling a home in ZIP 46304 — how does this help me?

Knowing the storm history for your address lets you answer buyer questions with confidence, document repairs you have already made, and decide whether a pre-listing roof check is worthwhile. A clear hail history removes a common sticking point during negotiations.

How do I check hail history for a specific ZIP 46304 address?

Use the address search to pull a free address-level hail report for any property in ZIP 46304 — no phone number or email required. It shows recent hail activity for that address so you know whether a closer roof or exterior review makes sense.

Where does this storm report data come from, and what are its limits?

Storm reports on this page are public reports from storm events in and around ZIP 46304, sourced from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. They show where hail, wind, or tornado activity was reported in ZIP 46304, but they do not confirm damage at any specific property. Report locations, sizes, and times may be approximate and can vary from what an individual home experienced. For property-specific hail history, use an address-level hail report or contact a participating local professional for a remote hail inspection. Pros inclusion is not an endorsement, and contacting a professional does not confirm damage at any property.

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