Heads up! Small hail spotted in these regions: Montgomery, AL • Grand Junction, CO • Provo, UT • Ogden, UT • Salt Lake City, UTATTENTION! Damaging hail detected. Hail tracking is now active for these regions: Macon, GA • Birmingham, AL • Gadsden, AL • Anniston, AL • Asheville, NC • Greenville, SC • Auburn, AL • Columbus, GA • Huntsville, AL • Dalton, GA • Chattanooga, TN • Albuquerque, NM • Mattoon, ILHeads up! Small hail spotted in these regions: Montgomery, AL • Grand Junction, CO • Provo, UT • Ogden, UT • Salt Lake City, UTATTENTION! Damaging hail detected. Hail tracking is now active for these regions: Macon, GA • Birmingham, AL • Gadsden, AL • Anniston, AL • Asheville, NC • Greenville, SC • Auburn, AL • Columbus, GA • Huntsville, AL • Dalton, GA • Chattanooga, TN • Albuquerque, NM • Mattoon, IL
Hi folks! Stay ahead of the storm with a 48-hour severe weather outlook, precise hail alerts, and live hail tracking. Access hail insights, historical hail maps, and detailed reports across 300+ regions for better planning and fewer "uh-oh" moments. Stay informed, stay safe, and stay protected - all completely free. Hi folks! Stay ahead of the storm with a 48-hour severe weather outlook, precise hail alerts, and live hail tracking. Access hail insights, historical hail maps, and detailed reports across 300+ regions for better planning and fewer "uh-oh" moments. Stay informed, stay safe, and stay protected - all completely free.
NOAA/NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER REPORTS + U.S. CENSUS DATA
Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in and near ZIP 62812
Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near ZIP 62812 from March 5, 1955 through May 16, 2026, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.
Example: 62812 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code
Hail Reports
23
Wind Reports
59
Tornado Reports
3
Max Hail Size
3.00″
Source NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm ReportsCoverage ZIP 62812 · 1955–presentUpdated Daily · last May 16, 2026
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 SSE Benton, IL
1.00″hail
Mar 12, 2020 6:40 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: .
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 NNW Benton, IL
1.00″hail
May 18, 2017 10:12 PM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: MOSTLY DIME SIZED HAIL... WITH A FEW QUARTER SIZED PIECES.
NWS Hail Report Location: West City, IL
3.00″hail
Mar 11, 2017 3:15 AM UTC
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: 3 INCH DIAMETER HAIL REPORTED.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1 N Benton, IL
1.00″hail
Jul 1, 2012 3:59 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: N Benton, IL
1.75″hail
Jul 1, 2012 3:58 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: There were also wind gusts estimated near 50 mph.
NWS Hail Report Location: E Valier, IL
0.75″hail
May 6, 2012 6:42 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: N Valier, IL
0.88″hail
Mar 2, 2012 11:44 AM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: N Groat, IL
0.75″hail
Mar 2, 2012 11:42 AM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: .69 N Benton, IL
1.00″hail
Jun 8, 2009 7:05 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: .88 NW Rend City, IL
1.00″hail
Apr 22, 2008 10:22 AM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Quarter-size hail was reported near the 68 mile marker on Interstate 57.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 S Benton, IL
0.75″hail
Apr 3, 2008 5:47 PM CST-6
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: .88 NE Bessie, IL
0.75″hail
Jul 29, 2006 7:35 PM CST
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 NE Valier, IL
0.75″hail
Apr 2, 2006 5:27 PM CST
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Benton, IL
1.75″hail
Apr 21, 2002 2:45 PM CST
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Golf ball size hail occurred at the Sesser exit of Interstate 57, and half-dollar size hail occurred at Rend Lake. At least a couple dozen vehicles and 50 homes were damaged to some degree.
NWS Hail Report Location: Rend Lake South, IL
1.00″hail
Feb 27, 1999 2:20 PM CST
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 6 S Sesser, IL
1.00″hail
Jun 22, 1998 8:20 PM CST
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Benton, IL
0.75″hail
May 14, 1986 3:30 PM CST
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Not provided, IL
0.75″hail
Jul 31, 1967 3:30 PM CST
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Not provided, IL
0.75″hail
May 26, 1962 1:30 PM CST
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Not provided, IL
3.00″hail
Mar 5, 1955 3:00 PM CST
Hail report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Not provided, IL
Showing 15 of 23
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.
Wind Report Description: Several reports of dime to nickel sized hail and large branches down in the Benton vicinity.
NWS Wind Report Location: Benton, IL
UNKmph
Sep 14, 2025 9:47 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A tree was blown down along I-57 south of Benton.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 NE Orient, IL
UNKmph
Sep 14, 2025 9:35 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A couple of trees were blown down in the South Marcum Campground on Rend Lake.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 NNW Benton, IL
UNKmph
Apr 29, 2025 7:25 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree down blocking exit ramp of I-57 at Benton... IL.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 E West City, IL
UNKmph
Jul 30, 2024 5:10 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees down along with some power lines in Benton. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 SSW Benton, IL
UNKmph
Jul 12, 2024 12:22 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree down on Pickle City Rd.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NW Hanaford, IL
UNKmph
Jul 12, 2024 12:14 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Power lines and trees down on E Bond St between N McLeansboro St and 9th St.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 E Benton, IL
UNKmph
Jul 12, 2024 12:14 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees and power lines down with power pole damage at N Madison St in Benton.
NWS Wind Report Location: Benton, IL
UNKmph
Apr 19, 2024 12:44 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree down on Highway 37 at Gun Creek.
NWS Wind Report Location: 5 E Sesser, IL
UNKmph
Jul 29, 2023 10:45 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees down countywide... including West Frankfort... Buckner... and Benton. Tree down on van and camper in Thompsonville.
NWS Wind Report Location: Benton, IL
UNKmph
Jul 1, 2023 10:36 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees down county wide.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 S Benton, IL
UNKmph
Jul 1, 2023 9:22 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees down near SR37 and Yellow Banks Rd.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 SSE West City, IL
UNKmph
Apr 16, 2023 1:48 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: TREE FELL ONTO A POWER LINE NEAR BENTON. RELAYED BY WSIL TV.
NWS Wind Report Location: Benton, IL
UNKmph
Aug 22, 2022 3:25 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: CORRECTS PREVIOUS TSTM WND DMG REPORT FROM 1 NE VALIER. SEVERAL LARGE TREES DOWN. ONE TREE SNAPPED NEAR BASE. SEVERAL OTHERS LOST LARGE LIMBS. LATE REPORT. CORRECTED TIME BASED ON STRONG WINDS FROM KVWX BASE VELOCITY PRODUCT ASSOCIATED WITH EARLIER STORM.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NE Valier, IL
UNKmph
Aug 21, 2022 6:00 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: SEVERAL LARGE TREES DOWN. ONE TREE SNAPPED NEAR BASE. SEVERAL OTHERS LOST LARGE LIMBS. LATE REPORT.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NE Valier, IL
60mph
Jun 17, 2022 11:40 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NE Valier, IL
UNKmph
Jul 17, 2021 2:50 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: ONE TREE DOWN AND SEVERAL TREE LIMBS DOWN AT A FARM NORTH OF BENTON. ROOF TINE BENT BACK ON BARN. A 65 MPH WIND GUST WAS RECORDED ON THE HOME WEATHER STATION AT 950 PM CDT. REPORT RELAYED BY WSIL-TV. LATE REPORT.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 N Benton, IL
UNKmph
Jul 16, 2021 6:10 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: ONE TREE DOWNED JUST EAST OF BENTON. TREE FELL ONTO A TRAILER. NO INJURIES. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 E Benton, IL
UNKmph
Mar 12, 2020 6:49 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A POLE BARN WAS DESTROYED ON INDUSTRIAL ROAD IN THE CITY.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 SSW Benton, IL
UNKmph
Jun 29, 2018 12:05 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: TREES DOWN ON POWER LINES. UP TO 2 FOOT DIAMETER TREE BRANCHES DOWN ON NORTH SIDE OF TOWN. STREET FLOODING OCCURRING.
NWS Wind Report Location: Benton, IL
UNKmph
Jun 29, 2018 12:05 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: MULTIPLE TREES DOWN IN THE WEST CITY AREA.
NWS Wind Report Location: West City, IL
UNKmph
Jun 29, 2018 12:00 AM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: ESTIMATED AT LEAST 60 MPH WINDS. MULTIPLE POWER POLES DOWN INCLUDING ONE TRAPPING A VEHICLE ON STATE HWY 154 AT REND LAKE.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 W Whittington, IL
UNKmph
Jul 13, 2016 9:49 PM UTC
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: SEVERAL TREES DOWN THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY. LARGE BRANCHES WERE ALSO SNAPPED.
NWS Wind Report Location: Benton, IL
60mph
Jun 21, 2015 4:02 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A large tree was blown down. with isolated power outages reported.
NWS Wind Report Location: N Benton, IL
64mph
Apr 25, 2015 2:40 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Several large trees were down along Highway 14.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 E Benton, IL
70mph
Jun 20, 2014 5:15 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Some trees and large limbs were blown down in the towns of Valier and Buckner.
NWS Wind Report Location: E Valier, IL
75mph
Jan 29, 2013 9:45 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: About a mile north of Route 14 between Benton and Rend Lake Dam, a camper was overturned. A home received shingle damage. A mobile office trailer was thrown on its side. Several trees were blown down.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1.27 S Rend City, IL
70mph
Jul 1, 2012 4:10 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Large branches were down on the road. At least two power poles were snapped in half. Sustained winds were estimated around 40 mph, with gusts to 70 mph.
NWS Wind Report Location: E Valier, IL
96mph
Jun 19, 2011 2:58 AM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A microburst with 95 mph winds caused extensive damage along a path about 1.25 miles wide and 18 miles long. The damage path started in the general vicinity of Rend Lake Dam and continued northeast across the Jefferson County border. Hundreds of trees were uprooted or snapped. A few utility poles were broken by falling trees. About a dozen homes were damaged, primarily from falling trees. Several barns and garages were destroyed or heavily damaged. One of the greatest concentrations of damage was at Lake Benton.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 NW Benton, IL
58mph
Jun 17, 2011 12:57 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Wind gusts from 55 to 60 mph were estimated along the leading edge of a thunderstorm gust front.
NWS Wind Report Location: N West City, IL
60mph
May 25, 2011 6:00 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A few trees were blown down. Two of the trees took down power lines.
NWS Wind Report Location: N Benton, IL
75mph
Apr 19, 2011 7:54 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: In Benton, about one-quarter of the roof of an apartment complex was lifted off. There was extensive rainwater damage to an apartment. At least a dozen trees and power lines were blown down throughout Benton. Three trees fell on power lines or across roadways. Power was restored to most customers within 12 hours. In West Frankfort, numerous trees and limbs were down. A few streets were blocked.
NWS Wind Report Location: N Benton, IL
60mph
Jun 27, 2008 5:20 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: An off-duty NWS meteorologist reported several large trees were down, blocking Route 37.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1.38 N Benton, IL
70mph
Jan 29, 2008 4:15 PM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A portion of roof was blown off of a garage, damaging a vehicle traveling along a roadway in downtown Benton.
NWS Wind Report Location: N Benton, IL
69mph
Oct 18, 2007 2:15 AM CST-6
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A 42 by 48 foot pole barn was destroyed two miles east of Valier. Wind gusts were estimated near 60 MPH in Valier, where a few trees were down.
NWS Wind Report Location: ESE Valier, IL
64mph
Jul 21, 2006 11:45 AM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Large trees were blown down across the county. Lots of damage to trees was visible from Interstate 57 as far south as West Frankfort. In Christopher, a TV antenna fell, several power poles were down on the east side of town, and two large limbs were down. One of the tree limbs fell on a car. In Sesser, large tree limbs and at least one tree were down. In Benton, signs and large trees were blown down. Some of the trees took down power lines, causing road closures and power outages in Benton. Along Highway 149 between West Frankfort and Thompsonville, numerous tree limbs fell across the road, including some large enough to block one lane.
NWS Wind Report Location: Countywide, IL
70mph
Apr 2, 2006 5:14 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: In Christopher, windows were blown out. In Sesser, there was roof damage to a few homes, and a moving vehicle struck a large tree that was over a road. Nobody in the vehicle was injured. In West Frankfort, siding was torn off a house, roofs were damaged, and trees were uprooted. A tree landed on a porch of a house. The damage was most widespread from the west and south sides of West Frankfort to Pershing, where numerous downed trees and power lines resulted in widespread power outages. Power lines fell on a passing car, trapping the driver until a utility crew turned off the power. In Benton, trees were uprooted, some of which fell on houses. At the Benton industrial park, two empty truck trailers were blown into a field. In Zeigler, trees that surrounded the town circle were wiped out. North of Ewing, a 30-by-40 foot pole barn was destroyed, and the roof took down utility lines when it landed.
NWS Wind Report Location: Countywide, IL
58mph
May 13, 2005 3:00 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees were blown down near the Rend Lake Dam spillway.
NWS Wind Report Location: Rend City, IL
58mph
Jul 6, 2004 3:00 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Five trees, including four large old oak trees, were blown down at a golf course.
NWS Wind Report Location: Benton, IL
60mph
May 30, 2004 5:43 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 N Buckner, IL
75mph
May 27, 2004 8:00 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Countywide, IL
60mph
May 25, 2004 4:00 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Several large trees were uprooted near Rend Lake, south of Route 154 near a golf course. Trees and power lines were down near Yellow Banks Road.
NWS Wind Report Location: 4 N Benton, IL
81mph
Oct 24, 2001 2:10 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Straight-line thunderstorm winds uprooted or snapped numerous trees. A porch was blown away. Four sheds in Benton were heavily damaged or destroyed. A pole barn was destroyed about 4 miles east of Benton. A young man was injured when a tree limb fell on the back of his neck. He was treated and released by a local hospital. The Leisure Lane area was hardest hit, where a house was heavily damaged and barns were destroyed.
NWS Wind Report Location: Benton, IL
58mph
Aug 18, 2001 5:20 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Numerous trees and large branches were down. The damage was associated with outflow winds from a severe supercell thunderstorm that tracked across southern Jefferson County.
NWS Wind Report Location: Rend Lake South, IL
58mph
Jul 18, 2001 1:45 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Thunderstorms producing damaging winds moved slowly south across Franklin County. Numerous trees and large limbs were blown down in West Frankfort.
NWS Wind Report Location: Benton, IL
58mph
Jul 18, 2001 1:30 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Damaging wind gusts associated with a cluster of severe thunderstorms spread southeast across Franklin County. Tree and power line damage was reported in many sections of the county. The first report of damage in the county was at Rend Lake, where trees were blown down. In Benton, large limbs and trees were down, and a third floor window was blown out of a building. A couple of trees were downed in Zeigler.
NWS Wind Report Location: Rend Lake South, IL
UNKmph
Aug 3, 2000 5:45 AM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: About 10 trees were uprooted or blown down in the Lake Moses subdivision. Power lines were also down.
NWS Wind Report Location: Benton, IL
60mph
Jun 4, 1999 7:25 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: State police reported trees down in Benton. Glass was blown out of a video store in West Frankfort.
NWS Wind Report Location: Benton, IL
UNKmph
Jan 21, 1999 8:07 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: In the Benton area, a trailer was moved off its foundation, and a small shed was turned over. Near West Frankfort, a pole barn was heavily damaged.
NWS Wind Report Location: Benton, IL
58mph
Jun 22, 1998 8:30 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Three trees were down.
NWS Wind Report Location: Benton, IL
60mph
Mar 28, 1998 12:30 AM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Strong thunderstorm winds snapped trees along Interstate 57 between Benton and West Frankfort.
NWS Wind Report Location: 5 S Benton, IL
58mph
Jul 14, 1997 5:16 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Trees were down.
NWS Wind Report Location: Benton, IL
UNKmph
Jul 23, 1987 2:30 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Not provided, IL
60mph
Apr 29, 1984 8:00 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Not provided, IL
60mph
Mar 15, 1984 8:10 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Not provided, IL
UNKmph
Jul 31, 1976 3:17 AM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Not provided, IL
UNKmph
Sep 28, 1974 3:30 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Not provided, IL
UNKmph
Aug 16, 1962 1:10 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Not provided, IL
UNKmph
May 10, 1962 9:55 PM CST
Wind report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: Not provided, 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 62812
3 reports
UNKcategory
May 10, 2016 8:20 PM UTC
Tornado report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: TORNADO ON THE GROUND NEAR MILE MARKER 40 ON THE PURCHASE PARKWAY.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 2 WSW Benton, IL
EF1category
Apr 19, 2011 7:49 PM CST-6
Tornado report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Extremely large oak trees were snapped 30 feet off the ground and thrown several yards and left intertwined. Other large trees were uprooted, and a fence was damaged. Peak winds in this brief tornado were estimated near 105 mph.
NWS Tornado Report Location: .2 N Benton, IL
F0category
Jan 7, 1989 4:32 PM CST
Tornado report for ZIP 62812
Franklin County · 14,478 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, IL
Showing 3 of 3
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 62812 on the Interactive Map
Report type
Hail
Wind
Tornado
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Address-level hail history. 100% free. No phone or email required.
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 62812 have on record?
Our records show 23 hail, 59 wind, and 3 tornado reports in and near ZIP 62812, compiled from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. The most recent was reported on May 16, 2026.
What is the largest hail ever reported in ZIP 62812?
The largest hail size in these storm-report records in and near ZIP 62812 is 3.00″. It was reported near Benton, IL on March 11, 2017.
A storm report showed up near my home in ZIP 62812 — 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 62812 and ask about a Remote Hail Inspection before anyone climbs on the roof.
I am buying a home in ZIP 62812 — 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 62812 address before closing helps you ask informed questions about roof age, past repairs, and any prior claims.
I am selling a home in ZIP 62812 — 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 62812 address?
Use the address search to pull a free address-level hail report for any property in ZIP 62812 — 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 62812, sourced from NOAA SPC and NWS Local Storm Reports. They show where hail, wind, or tornado activity was reported in ZIP 62812, 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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