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

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

Public hail, wind, and tornado reports in and near Sterling, IL 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
23
Wind Reports
45
Tornado Reports
5
Max Hail Size
2.00″
Source  NOAA SPC · NWS Local Storm Reports Coverage  Sterling, IL · 1962–present Updated  Daily · last Jun 24, 2026

Latest NWS Hail Reports in and near Sterling, IL

23 reports
Free hail report for your home →
2.00″ hail
Feb 28, 2017
10:54 PM UTC
Hail report for Sterling, IL
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 Sterling, IL
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 Sterling, IL
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
1.00″ hail
Aug 8, 2011
1:23 PM CST-6
Hail report for Sterling, IL
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail fell for 1 to 2 minutes with hailstones varying in size from pea to quarter sized.
NWS Hail Report Location: 10 W Sterling, IL
0.75″ hail
Jun 8, 2011
9:40 PM CST-6
Hail report for Sterling, IL
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 Sterling, IL
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
May 13, 2008
3:45 PM CST-6
Hail report for Sterling, IL
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 Sterling, IL
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 Sterling, IL
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
0.75″ hail
Apr 29, 2007
6:40 PM CST-6
Hail report for Sterling, IL
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 2.08 NE Sterling, IL
1.25″ hail
Oct 2, 2006
8:26 PM CST-6
Hail report for Sterling, IL
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: .52 W Sterling, IL
0.75″ hail
Oct 2, 2006
8:25 PM CST-6
Hail report for Sterling, IL
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Penny size hail covered the ground.
NWS Hail Report Location: .52 W Sterling, IL
0.88″ hail
Oct 2, 2006
8:08 PM CST-6
Hail report for Sterling, IL
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: Hail from penny to nickel size for about 10 minutes.
NWS Hail Report Location: .52 W Sterling, IL
0.75″ hail
Apr 13, 2006
7:57 PM CST
Hail report for Sterling, IL
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: pea to penny size hail
NWS Hail Report Location: Sterling, IL
1.00″ hail
May 31, 2004
3:06 PM CST
Hail report for Sterling, IL
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Hail Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Hail Report Location: 4 N Sterling, 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.

Latest NWS Wind Reports in and near Sterling, IL

30 reports
Free hail report + wind check →
UNK mph
Jun 24, 2026
11:10 PM UTC
Wind report for Sterling, IL
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 Sterling, IL
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 Sterling, IL
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 Sterling, IL
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 Sterling, IL
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 Sterling, IL
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 Sterling, IL
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 10, 2020
7:05 PM UTC
Wind report for Sterling, IL
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 Sterling, IL
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
Jul 6, 2016
6:54 AM UTC
Wind report for Sterling, IL
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: TIME ESTIMATED - STRONG WINDS BLEW A TREE ONTO POWER LINES AND DAMAGED POWER POLE.
NWS Wind Report Location: 1 W Sterling, IL
60 mph
Nov 11, 2015
7:05 PM CST-6
Wind report for Sterling, IL
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: The Sterling Police Department reported a few power lines down along with a few tree branches around 4 inches in diameter. The time is based on radar.
NWS Wind Report Location: .52 E Sterling, IL
60 mph
Aug 25, 2014
1:30 PM CST-6
Wind report for Sterling, IL
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: Wind gusts estimated to be 60 mph blew down a tree limb in Sterling, IL around 230 pm CDT August 25.
NWS Wind Report Location: .52 E Sterling, IL
70 mph
Jun 24, 2013
3:31 PM CST-6
Wind report for Sterling, IL
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A trained spotter reported a wind gust of 70 mph.
NWS Wind Report Location: .52 E Sterling, IL
58 mph
May 30, 2013
5:25 PM CST-6
Wind report for Sterling, IL
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A trained spotter reported trees and power lines blown down.
NWS Wind Report Location: .52 E Sterling, IL
63 mph
May 30, 2013
5:14 PM CST-6
Wind report for Sterling, IL
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Wind Report Description: A large tree was down on power lines near town.
NWS Wind Report Location: .52 E Sterling, 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 Sterling, IL

5 reports
UNK category
Apr 2, 2026
11:02 PM UTC
Tornado report for Sterling, IL
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
Jul 8, 2020
9:05 PM UTC
Tornado report for Sterling, IL
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
EF1 category
Jun 22, 2015
6:14 PM CST-6
Tornado report for Sterling, IL
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: Hardwood trees and trunks were snapped, with peak wind speed of 100 mph on this short tornado spin up.
NWS Tornado Report Location: 1.66 ESE Sterling, IL
F2 category
May 7, 1962
8:30 PM CST
Tornado report for Sterling, IL
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 Sterling, IL
Whiteside County · 20,984 Homes in County
Tornado Report Description: No National Weather Service description provided.
NWS Tornado Report Location: Not provided, IL
Showing 5 of 5
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 Sterling, IL on the Interactive Map

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Browse ZIP Codes with NWS Storm Reports in Sterling

61081 97
Sterling, IL Hail, wind & tornado reports
61071 62
Rock Falls, IL Hail, wind & tornado reports

NWS Storm Reports & Census Data

U.S. Census Data · City

Sterling, IL area census snapshot

People & households
Population14,670
Households6,659
Housing units7,385
Income
Median household income$52,647
$100k+ households31.2%
$150k+ households13.5%
Housing stock
Single-family detached5,100
Attached single-family104
Small multifamily1,477
Large multifamily643
Mobile homes0
Housing mix
Single-family share69.1%
Attached-home share1.4%
Multifamily share28.7%
Mobile-home share--
Ownership & occupancy
Owner-occupied4,112
Renter-occupied2,547
Vacant units726
Home value & age
Median home value$107,800
Owner homes $300k+2.4%
Owner homes $500k+0.7%
Owner homes $750k+--
Median year built1957
Older-home share79.9%
Vehicle context
Households with cars6,017
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 Sterling have on record?

Our records show 23 hail, 45 wind, and 5 tornado reports in and near Sterling, IL, 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 Sterling?

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

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

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

I am selling a home in Sterling — 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 Sterling address?

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