Kankakee Hit Hard by Severe Storm

Hail over 6 inches and an EF-3 tornado cause extensive damage in Illinois town

Mar. 14, 2026 at 8:49pm

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A powerful storm system that originated in Central Texas swept through the Midwest, leaving significant damage in Kankakee, Illinois. The town was hit by hail over 6 inches in diameter and an EF-3 tornado, which caused widespread destruction throughout the county.

Why it matters

The storm highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events driven by climate change, which can have devastating impacts on communities far from the storm's origin. Kankakee's recovery efforts will require significant resources and coordination.

The details

The storm system brought large hail, high winds, and a powerful tornado that ripped through Kankakee County. Meteorologists estimate the tornado reached wind speeds of up to 165 mph, causing major damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure across the region.

  • The storm system moved through Central Texas earlier this week.
  • The tornado and hail hit Kankakee, Illinois on March 12, 2026.

The players

Scott Engel

A photo journalist reporting on the destruction in Kankakee.

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What they’re saying

“The damage is just devastating. I've never seen anything like this in Kankakee before.”

— Scott Engel, Photo Journalist

What’s next

Emergency crews are working around the clock to clear debris, restore power, and assess the full extent of the damage. State and federal disaster relief efforts are expected to be mobilized in the coming days.

The takeaway

This storm serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of extreme weather events driven by climate change, and the need for communities to invest in resilient infrastructure and emergency preparedness to mitigate the impacts of these disasters.