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

Hail, Wind & Tornado Reports in and near Ottawa, IL

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near Ottawa, IL from July 14, 1972 through August 11, 2026, sourced from NOAA/NWS Local Storm Reports and SPC storm report data.

Example: 61350 — search hail, wind and tornado public reports for any U.S. ZIP code 
Hail Reports
20
Wind Reports
54
Tornado Reports
10
Max Hail Size
2.75″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  Ottawa, IL · 1972–present Updated  Daily · last Aug 11, 2026

Latest NWS Hail Reports in and near Ottawa, IL

20 reports
Free hail report for your home →
2.75″ hail
Feb 28, 2017
10:45 PM UTC
Hail report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: REPORTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA.
NWS Hail Report Location: Ottawa, IL
1.00″ hail
Jul 13, 2016
11:00 PM UTC
Hail report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: INTERSECTION OF BOYCE MEMEORIAL DRIVE AND OTTAWA AVENUE.
NWS Hail Report Location: Ottawa, IL
1.75″ hail
Jul 13, 2015
4:40 PM CST-6
Hail report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Golf ball size hail fell just north of Route 6.
NWS Hail Report Location: .7 NE Ottawa, IL
1.00″ hail
Sep 3, 2011
1:29 PM CST-6
Hail report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Penny to quarter size hail was reported in many areas around Ottawa including quarter size hail near Interstate 80 and Route 23.
NWS Hail Report Location: 1.29 WSW Ottawa Arpt, IL
0.88″ hail
Sep 21, 2010
1:52 PM CST-6
Hail report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: N Ottawa, IL
1.00″ hail
Sep 21, 2010
1:33 PM CST-6
Hail report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 3 NW Ottawa, IL
0.75″ hail
Jul 19, 2008
11:50 PM CST-6
Hail report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Penny size hail was reported near Interstate 80 and Route 23.
NWS Hail Report Location: .85 ENE Ottawa Arpt, IL
1.50″ hail
Apr 3, 2007
6:20 AM CST-6
Hail report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: E Ottawa, IL
0.75″ hail
Mar 31, 2007
7:39 PM CST-6
Hail report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Penny size hail was reported on Route 23, just south of Interstate 80.
NWS Hail Report Location: .52 E Ottawa, IL
0.75″ hail
Aug 3, 2006
3:08 AM CST
Hail report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Ottawa, IL
0.75″ hail
Apr 14, 2006
5:33 PM CST
Hail report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2 N Ottawa, IL
1.00″ hail
Mar 30, 2005
6:30 PM CST
Hail report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Nickel sized hail was reported south of Rt. 80 on E. 16th rd. in the Autumnwood subdivision, 1830-1840 CST.The ground was reported to be covered with 2 to 3 inches of quarter sized hail, 1842-1847 CST.
NWS Hail Report Location: Ottawa, IL
1.75″ hail
Apr 20, 2004
5:37 PM CST
Hail report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 9 N Ottawa, IL
1.00″ hail
Jul 8, 2003
12:46 PM CST
Hail report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 6 N Ottawa, IL
0.75″ hail
Jul 6, 2003
1:57 PM CST
Hail report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: Ottawa, IL
Showing 15 of 20
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 Ottawa, IL

30 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
UNK mph
Aug 11, 2026
2:59 PM UTC
Wind report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Numerous large trees and tree branches were downed along Ottawa Ave. Additional tree damage was reported along Taylor and Clay Streets. Time estimated by radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: Ottawa, IL
UNK mph
Apr 5, 2026
12:35 AM UTC
Wind report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Photo shared on social media of a tree down across Columbus Street just north of East Jackson Street. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: Ottawa, IL
UNK mph
Mar 15, 2025
4:08 AM UTC
Wind report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Power poles leaning at a 30 degree angle as a result of the strong thunderstorm winds. Time estimated from radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: Ottawa, IL
UNK mph
Aug 29, 2024
2:36 AM UTC
Wind report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Corrects previous tstm wnd dmg report time from 1 NNE Ottawa. Public report or power outages... downed tree branches... and a flipped picnic table on the north side of Ottawa. In addition... there was a report of a rolled semi truck on I-80 near Ottawa. Time estimated by radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NNE Ottawa, IL
UNK mph
Aug 27, 2024
2:36 PM UTC
Wind report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Public report or power outages... downed tree branches... and a flipped picnic table on the north side of Ottawa. In addition... there was a report of a rolled semi truck on I-80 near Ottawa. Time estimated by radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NNE Ottawa, IL
UNK mph
Aug 29, 2022
5:28 PM UTC
Wind report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: REPORT OF TREE BRANCHES DOWNED ACROSS OTTAWA. ALSO A LARGE TREE SNAPPED AND ROOTS AND LEANING ON A BENT POWER POLE. TIME ESTIMATED BY RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: Ottawa, IL
UNK mph
Aug 11, 2021
2:09 PM UTC
Wind report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: 6-8 INCH DIAMETER LIMBS DOWNED.
NWS Wind Report Location: 6 NNE Ottawa, IL
UNK mph
Aug 10, 2020
8:04 PM UTC
Wind report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: LARGE TREE DOWN ONTO POWERLINES. NUMEROUS LARGE BRANCHES/LIMBS DOWN. SHED DESTROYED. TIME ESTIMATED BY RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: Ottawa, IL
UNK mph
May 23, 2020
7:05 PM UTC
Wind report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: SPOTTER REPORTED NICKEL SIZED HAIL AND DOWNED TREES ON THE EAST SIDE OF OTTAWA. TIME ESTIMATED BY RADAR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 2 E Ottawa, IL
UNK mph
Mar 7, 2017
6:36 AM UTC
Wind report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: POLES AND LINES DOWN/BENT. RELAYED THROUGH LAW ENFORCEMENT.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 S Ottawa, IL
UNK mph
Mar 7, 2017
6:36 AM UTC
Wind report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: LARGE TREE DOWNED ONTO ILLINOIS HIGHWAY 71. RELAYED THROUGH LAW ENFORCEMENT.
NWS Wind Report Location: 3 NE Ottawa, IL
70 mph
Mar 2, 2017
4:12 AM UTC
Wind report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Wind Report Location: 6 NE Ottawa, IL
62 mph
Jul 13, 2016
11:00 PM UTC
Wind report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: MEASURED BY U.S. ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS SENSOR.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 SSW Ottawa, IL
UNK mph
Jul 6, 2016
8:00 AM UTC
Wind report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: SEVERAL LARGE TREES DOWN ALONG OAKLANE DRIVE. RELAYED VIA FACEBOOK.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 NNW Ottawa, IL
63 mph
Jun 30, 2014
6:30 PM CST-6
Wind report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Tree branches to around 12 inches in diameter were blown down.
NWS Wind Report Location: .52 E Ottawa, IL
Showing 15 of 30
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 Ottawa, IL

10 reports
UNK category
Aug 10, 2020
7:59 PM UTC
Tornado report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: A BRIEF EF-1 TORNADO WITH PEAK WINDS OF 100 MPH... PATH LENGTH OF 0.75 MILES... AND MAX WIDTH OF 150 YARDS IMPACTED THE NORTH SIDE OF OTTAWA DAMAGING ROOFING MATERIAL AND SHREDDING TREES ALONG ITS PATH. THE ROOFING MATERIAL WAS ORIGINALLY WELL-ANCHORED TO THE WALLS... AND A NEARBY SNAPPED POWER POLE SUGGESTED A PEAK INTENSITY OF 100 MPH WINDS. EYE WITNESS ACCOUNTS CONFIRM THE DAMAGE WAS PRODUCED BY A TORNADO BASED ON CLEARLY RISING AND SWIRLING MOTION BY MULTIPLE SUB-VORTICES IN A BROAD CIRCULATION.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Ottawa, IL
UNK category
Feb 28, 2017
10:51 PM UTC
Tornado report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: STORM CHASER REPORTED LARGE ALMOST WEDGE SHAPED TORNADO ON THE GROUND.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Ottawa, IL
UNK category
Feb 28, 2017
10:45 PM UTC
Tornado report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: *** 1 FATAL... 1 INJ *** LAW ENFORCEMENT AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CONFIRMED ONE FATALITY AND AT LEAST ONE INJURY.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Ottawa, IL
UNK category
Jun 24, 2016
1:48 AM UTC
Tornado report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 3 NNE Ottawa, IL
UNK category
Jun 24, 2016
1:33 AM UTC
Tornado report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 5 NW Ottawa, IL
F0 category
Jun 11, 1997
12:45 PM CST
Tornado report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: State police reported a tornado over an open field. There were no damages.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 8 N Ottawa, IL
F1 category
May 8, 1988
5:20 PM CST
Tornado report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, IL
F2 category
Aug 16, 1987
9:15 PM CST
Tornado report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, IL
F1 category
Aug 23, 1972
12:00 PM CST
Tornado report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, IL
F0 category
Jul 14, 1972
11:00 PM CST
Tornado report for Ottawa, IL
LaSalle County · 39,479 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, IL
Showing 10 of 10
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 Ottawa, IL on the Interactive Map

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Browse ZIP Codes with NWS Storm Reports in Ottawa

61350 119
Ottawa, IL Hail, wind & tornado reports
61341 50
Marseilles, IL Hail, wind & tornado reports

NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · City

Ottawa, IL area census snapshot

People & households
Population18,714
Households7,557
Housing units8,394
Income
Median household income$73,011
$100k+ households41.8%
$150k+ households17.4%
Housing stock
Single-family detached6,024
Attached single-family678
Small multifamily1,089
Large multifamily588
Mobile homes15
Housing mix
Single-family share71.8%
Attached-home share8.1%
Multifamily share20.0%
Mobile-home share0.2%
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied5,241
Renter-occupied2,316
Vacant units837
Home value & age
Median home value$144,500
Owner homes $300k+7.0%
Owner homes $500k+0.7%
Owner homes $750k+0.4%
Median year built1958
Older-home share72.5%
Vehicle context
Households with cars7,082
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 Ottawa have on record?

Our records show 20 hail, 54 wind, and 10 tornado reports in and near Ottawa, IL, 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 Ottawa?

The largest hail size in these storm-report records in and near Ottawa, IL is 2.75″. It was reported near Ottawa, IL on February 28, 2017.

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

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

I am selling a home in Ottawa — 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 Ottawa address?

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