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

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 61081

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near ZIP 61081 from May 7, 1962 through June 24, 2026, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.

Example: 61081 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code 
Hail Reports
29
Wind Reports
59
Tornado Reports
9
Max Hail Size
2.00″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  ZIP 61081 · 1962–present Updated  Daily · last Jun 24, 2026

Latest NWS Hail Reports in and near ZIP 61081

29 reports
Free hail report for your home →
1.75″ hail
Aug 5, 2024
10:34 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Report from mPING.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 W Penrose, IL
1.75″ hail
Aug 5, 2024
10:25 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Corrects time of hail report from 1 W Penrose. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 W Penrose, IL
1.00″ hail
May 7, 2024
5:33 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Grimes Addition, IL
1.75″ hail
Feb 28, 2017
10:58 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: LARGEST SLIGHTLY LARGER THAN GOLF BALLS.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 ENE Rock Falls, IL
2.00″ hail
Feb 28, 2017
10:54 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: FEW STONES UP TO HEN EGG.
NWS Hail Report Location: Sterling, IL
0.88″ hail
Jun 22, 2015
6:14 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3.09 E Sterling, IL
0.75″ hail
Jun 22, 2015
6:12 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail was reported near Applebees restaurant, on Route 2.
NWS Hail Report Location: .52 E Sterling, IL
0.75″ hail
Aug 13, 2011
1:55 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: The spotter reported dime sized hail with some slightly larger stones also falling.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3.3 SE Coleta, IL
0.75″ hail
Jun 8, 2011
9:40 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.03 E Sterling, IL
0.75″ hail
Jun 8, 2011
9:39 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: .52 E Sterling, IL
0.88″ hail
Jul 10, 2008
7:39 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Nickel-sized hail fell 3 miles southeast of Coleta, IL at 839 pm July 10.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3.3 SE Coleta, IL
0.88″ hail
May 13, 2008
3:45 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: A trained spotter measured nickel size hail in Sterling.
NWS Hail Report Location: .52 E Sterling, IL
0.75″ hail
May 13, 2008
3:44 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: A trained spotter measured penny size hail near Sterling.
NWS Hail Report Location: .86 NW Sterling, IL
1.00″ hail
May 13, 2008
3:42 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: A trained spotter estimated dime to quarter size hail fell for 6 minutes in Sterling.
NWS Hail Report Location: .52 E Sterling, IL
0.88″ hail
Apr 25, 2008
8:22 AM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: A trained spotter observed nickel size hail near Coleta.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3.3 SE Coleta, IL
Showing 15 of 29
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 61081

59 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
UNK mph
Jun 24, 2026
11:10 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Large tree branch blown down. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sterling, IL
60 mph
Jun 24, 2026
11:03 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: 50 to 60 mph wind gusts with torrential rain.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 NE Grimes Addition, IL
UNK mph
May 23, 2024
1:05 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Public report on social media of a large tree limb down. Time estimated by radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sterling, IL
UNK mph
Jul 28, 2023
8:46 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree damage from a 1-1.5 foot diameter tree. Time estimated by radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 W Sterling, IL
UNK mph
Jul 6, 2022
4:48 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: SEVERAL LARGE TREE BRANCHES DOWN... REPORT RELAYED FROM SOCIAL MEDIA. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sterling, IL
UNK mph
Jul 6, 2022
4:00 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: CORRECTS PREVIOUS TSTM WND DMG REPORT FROM STERLING. SEVERAL LARGE TREE BRANCHES DOWN... REPORT RELAYED FROM SOCIAL MEDIA. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sterling, IL
UNK mph
Aug 23, 2021
8:00 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: DELAYED REPORT. DAMAGE TO OUTBUILDING... CROP DAMAGE... LEANING POWER POLES AND DAMAGE TO TRAILER. RELAYED BY STERLING AND DIXON TELEGRAPH PHOTOGRAPHER AND REPORTER. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 ENE Penrose, IL
UNK mph
Aug 23, 2021
7:59 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 61081
Lee County · 11,747 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: DAMAGE TO SEVERAL LARGE TREES. ABOUT 100 YARDS EAST OF INTERSECTION OF PENROSE AD WELDON ROADS. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 6 NNW Nelson, IL
UNK mph
Nov 10, 2020
8:58 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: REPORT ALONG CAPP ROAD..CATTLE SHED WITH ROOF BLOWN OFF... SHINGLES BLOWN OFF OF A HOUSE... WITH A HEALTHY TREE SNAPPED. TIME OF THE EVENT AS ESTIMATED USING RADAR. REPORT WAS DELAYED. TIME ESTIMATED USING RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 SSW Coleta, IL
UNK mph
Nov 10, 2020
8:54 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: HEAVY DAMAGE TO HOG OUTBUILDING (ROOF MOSTLY OFF)... MACHINE SHED WAS FLATTENED... ALONG WITH TREES AND POWER LINES DOWN. IT WAS NOTED THAT MUCH OF THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED ALONG EMERSON ROAD... SO THIS IS A GENERAL LOCATION.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NW Agnew, IL
UNK mph
Aug 10, 2020
7:05 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: LARGE TREE FELL DOWN AND ONTO THE POWER LINES. BOTH ARE LYING ACROSS THE STREET. SMALLER BRANCHES AND LIMBS CAN ALSO BE SEEN THROUGH THE STREETS.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sterling, IL
UNK mph
May 26, 2020
10:42 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: SEVERAL REPORTS OF TREE DAMAGE AND POWER POLE DAMAGE FROM THE STERLING/ROCK FALLS AREA... NUMEROUS POWER OUTAGES. DAMAGE GOES TO THE NORTH SIDE OF STERLING. TIME IS ESTIMATED FROM WHEN CORE IMPACTED THE CITY.
NWS Wind Report Location: Sterling, IL
UNK mph
May 23, 2020
7:47 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: DELAYED REPORT. REPORT OF WIRES DOWN AND DAMAGE TO A HOME; SHINGLES OFF THE ROOF. POSSIBLE TORNADO DAMAGE. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 ENE Coleta, IL
UNK mph
May 23, 2020
7:46 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: POWER LINES DOWN ACROSS ROADWAY. 14 INCH TREE DIAMETER TREE SNAPPED. POSSIBLE TORNADO DAMAGE. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 ENE Coleta, IL
UNK mph
Jun 24, 2019
9:30 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 61081
Lee County · 11,747 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: 4.8 MILES NE STERLING. DAMAGE TO A A PINE TREE. PUBLIC REPORT VIA WQAD.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 NNW Nelson, IL
Showing 15 of 59
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 61081

9 reports
UNK category
Apr 2, 2026
11:11 PM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 61081
Lee County · 11,747 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: An NWS damage survey confirmed that an EF-1 tornado with estimated peak winds of 100 mph tracked for 5.75 miles through northwestern Lee County. The tornado damaged or destroyed multiple farm outbuildings... downed several trees and power poles... and caused minor damage to a few residences.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 4 NNW Nelson, IL
UNK category
Apr 2, 2026
11:02 PM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: An EF1 tornado passed through northern portions of Sterling... with estimated maximum wind speeds around 90 mph. Along the path... damage was done to trees (including snapped) and two garages in the path saw complete loss of their roofs. Minor damage was noted to two church roofs. There was also a 3000 lb rooftop HVAC unit rolled over... consistent with maximum winds of at least 90 mph.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 WSW Sterling, IL
UNK category
Nov 10, 2020
8:53 PM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: SAME TORNADO AS 2 E ROUND GROVE. A FEW SNAPPED HARDWOOD TREES WERE FOUND AT THIS LOCATION.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 E Round Grove, IL
UNK category
Nov 10, 2020
8:50 PM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: EF1 MAX WINDS 100 MPH. PATH LENGTH 3.5 MILES AND MAX PATH WIDTH 100 YARDS.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 E Round Grove, IL
UNK category
Jul 8, 2020
9:05 PM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: VIDEO RECEIVED OF A LANDSPOUT TORNADO IN A FIELD BEHIND A MENARDS STORE ON THE NORTHEAST SIDE OF STERLING.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 3 NE Sterling, IL
UNK category
Mar 2, 2017
2:44 AM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A DAMGE SURVEY FOUND DAMAGE LONG A 2.63 MILE LONG PATH THAT WAS 75 YARDS WIDE AND THE TORNADO HAD PEAK ESTIMATED WINDS OF 100 MPH OR RATED EF-1. THE TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN 2.7 MILES ESE OF COLETA AND SNAPPED TREES... DAMAGE FARM OUTBUILDINGS... AND UNROOFED A GARAGE AND PART OF A HOUSE. A SECOND HOME ALSO SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO ITS ROOF. THE TORNADO LIFTED 5.2 MILES EAST OF COLETA.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 ESE Coleta, IL
UNK category
Feb 28, 2017
10:44 PM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A DAMGE SURVEY FOUND DAMAGE LONG A 2.63 MILE LONG PATH THAT WAS 75 YARDS WIDE AND THE TORNADO HAD PEAK ESTIMATED WINDS OF 100 MPH OR RATED EF-1. THE TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN 2.7 MILES ESE OF COLETA AND SNAPPED TREES... DAMAGE FARM OUTBUILDINGS... AND UNROOFED A GARAGE AND PART OF A HOUSE. A SECOND HOME ALSO SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO ITS ROOF. THE TORNADO LIFTED 5.2 MILES EAST OF COLETA.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 ESE Coleta, IL
F2 category
May 7, 1962
8:30 PM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, IL
F2 category
May 7, 1962
8:30 PM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 61081
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, IL
Showing 9 of 9
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 61081 on the Interactive Map

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NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · ZIP Code

ZIP 61081 area census snapshot

People & households
Population20,916
Households8,926
Housing units9,753
Income
Median household income$60,854
$100k+ households38.0%
$150k+ households16.3%
Housing stock
Single-family detached7,380
Attached single-family148
Small multifamily1,494
Large multifamily658
Mobile homes12
Housing mix
Single-family share75.7%
Attached-home share1.5%
Multifamily share22.1%
Mobile-home share0.1%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied6,297
Renter-occupied2,629
Vacant units827
Home value & age
Median home value$121,000
Owner homes $300k+8.5%
Owner homes $500k+2.6%
Owner homes $750k+1.0%
Median year built1959
Older-home share76.9%
Vehicle context
Households with cars8,245
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 61081 have on record?

Our records show 29 hail, 59 wind, and 9 tornado reports in and near ZIP 61081, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on June 24, 2026.

What is the largest hail ever reported in ZIP 61081?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in and near ZIP 61081 is 2.00″. It was reported near Sterling, IL on February 28, 2017.

A storm report showed up near my home in ZIP 61081 — 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 61081 and ask about a Remote Hail Inspection before anyone climbs on the roof.

I am buying a home in ZIP 61081 — 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 61081 address before closing helps you ask informed questions about roof age, past repairs, and any prior claims.

I am selling a home in ZIP 61081 — 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 61081 address?

Use the address search to pull a free address-level hail report for any property in ZIP 61081 — 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 61081, sourced from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. They show where hail, wind, or tornado activity was reported in ZIP 61081, 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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