A derecho occurred across portions of the Plains and Midwest as numerous thunderstorms produced tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds from Missouri and Iowa westward into Kansas and Nebraska. The storms also extended northward through parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The event generated dozens of severe weather reports. Moreover, it validated concerns highlighted earlier in the day when the Storm Prediction Center placed portions of the region under an Enhanced Risk for severe thunderstorms.
Tornadoes Touch Down Across Multiple States
Several tornado reports were received throughout the afternoon and evening, with much of the activity concentrated across Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Illinois.
A large tornado near Unionville in Mercer County, Missouri, was captured on video as it moved across the area. Storm reports from nearby Princeton, Mercer, and Lucerne documented the tornado through public videos and streaming submissions. Additional tornadoes were reported near Santa Rosa, Lucerne, and Jameson later in the evening. Several of these reports were confirmed through spotter observations, livestream footage, and radar analysis.
In Iowa, intermittent tornado touchdowns were reported near Garden Grove and Moulton. In addition, additional tornadoes were documented in Kansas near Abilene and Herington. The event continued into the overnight and early morning hours with additional reports from Nebraska and western Iowa.
While many of the tornadoes appeared relatively brief, the number of reports spread across several states highlighted the favorable environment that developed for rotating thunderstorms throughout the day.
Giant Hail Becomes a Major Hazard
Large hail accompanied many of the strongest storms, with several communities reporting hailstones exceeding two inches in diameter.
Some of the largest hailstones occurred across Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. Near Yorktown in southwest Iowa, hail reached an impressive 3.5 inches in diameter. This made it one of the largest reports in the Storm Prediction Center database for the event. Furthermore, additional hail measuring 2.75 inches was reported near Holdrege and Minden, Nebraska. Several locations in Kansas reported hail between 2.5 and 2.75 inches in diameter.
Large hail was also common farther north. Tennis-ball-sized hail was reported near Villard, Minnesota. In addition, multiple two-inch hail reports were received from Wadena County. Golf-ball-sized hail was reported in numerous locations across Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Kansas. These reports came as storms matured and intensified throughout the evening.
The widespread nature of the hail reports demonstrated the strength of the updrafts within many of the storms. Moreover, it contributed to a substantial risk for vehicle, roof, siding, and crop damage across affected areas.
Damaging Winds Cause Structural Damage and Power Outages
While tornadoes and hail generated considerable attention, damaging straight-line winds became one of the most widespread impacts of the event.
Numerous measured wind gusts exceeded 70 mph across Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and surrounding states. The strongest measured gust reached 94 mph at Wittman Field near Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Additional reports included an 88 mph gust near Darlington, Wisconsin. Winds of 85 mph were recorded near Livingston, Wisconsin, and over Lake Michigan. In addition, several measured gusts in the 70 to 80 mph range occurred across Illinois and Wisconsin.
The wind damage reports paint the picture of a long-lived and destructive severe weather event. Numerous communities reported uprooted trees, snapped power poles, damaged roofs, collapsed outbuildings, and widespread power outages. Particularly notable were reports from Wisconsin and northern Illinois where structural damage occurred to barns, apartment buildings, homes, and commercial properties. In Chicago, reports included shattered high-rise windows, widespread tree damage, and numerous power outages as the line of storms moved through the metropolitan area.
Across portions of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri, emergency managers and spotters documented extensive tree damage and infrastructure impacts. These were consistent with severe thunderstorm winds approaching hurricane-force intensity.
Enhanced Risk Outlook Proves Well-Placed
Ahead of the outbreak, the Storm Prediction Center highlighted portions of the region with an Enhanced Risk of severe thunderstorms. That forecast ultimately proved justified, as the atmosphere supported multiple severe hazards simultaneously. These included tornadoes, giant hail, and widespread damaging winds. As of June 15th, 2026, the National Weather Service has confirmed and upgraded this event to be classified as a derecho.
Events such as this serve as an important reminder that severe weather threats are not limited to a single hazard. While tornadoes often receive the greatest attention, large hail and destructive thunderstorm winds can produce equally significant impacts. These hazards often cover a much larger geographic area, which a derecho is specifically classified by.
As the severe weather season continues, this derecho event will stand as another example of how organized thunderstorm complexes can generate very widespread damage across multiple states. Careful attention to outlooks, watches, and warnings remains one of the most effective ways for individuals and communities to prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions.
This data came from Storm Reports provided by the Storm Prediction Center: https://www.spc.noaa.gov/
For any questions pertaining to this article, please contact kaitlin@coxweatherservices.com
This article was updated on June 15th, 2026, due to new information and classifications provided by the National Weather Service.