Four Tornadoes Hit Illinois, Northwest Indiana During Severe Storm

NWS confirms multiple tornado touchdowns and record-breaking hail

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The National Weather Service said at least four tornadoes may have touched down across parts of Illinois and Indiana during severe storms that moved through the Chicago area on Tuesday. The same storm system also produced widespread large hail, including a possible 6-inch hailstone in Kankakee that could set a new Illinois state record.

Why it matters

Tornadoes and large hail can cause significant property damage and pose a serious threat to public safety. This storm system impacted a densely populated region, raising concerns about the ability of local emergency services to respond effectively.

The details

Storm survey teams are investigating at least four suspected tornado touchdowns linked to a supercell that moved from Illinois into Indiana. The tornadoes hit near Pontiac, south of Kankakee, and in the communities of Lake Village and Wheatfield in Indiana. Extensive damage was reported in Aroma Park, Illinois, with minor injuries but no deaths. The same storm system also produced destructive hail ranging from 2 to 6 inches in diameter, which could set a new Illinois state record if verified.

  • The tornado touched down in Kankakee around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.
  • The National Weather Service plans to send three storm survey teams into the field on Wednesday, March 12, 2026 to assess damage and confirm the tornadoes.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing severe weather warnings.

Kankakee County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the tornado touchdown in Kankakee County, Illinois.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to collect data and provide additional updates as damage surveys and hail reports are verified.

The takeaway

This severe storm system highlights the ongoing threat of extreme weather events in the Midwest, underscoring the importance of robust emergency preparedness and response capabilities to protect public safety and mitigate property damage.