Live Broadcast Interrupted by Baseball-Sized Hail Breaking Storm Tracker's Windshield

A live weather broadcast in Kankakee Illinois was abruptly interrupted when baseball sized hail smashed the storm trackers windshield as violent storms swept through multiple states causing damage and fatalities while meteorologists documented the extreme weather event.

On March 10, 2026, Fox Weather storm tracker Corey Gerken documented the effects of a violent hailstorm while driving through Kankakee, Illinois. The extreme weather event caused extensive damage across multiple states and resulted in fatalities in nearby regions.

Severe Weather Strikes Illinois and Neighboring States

The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed multiple tornadoes in Illinois and Indiana. The most severe impact occurred in Newton County, Indiana, where two fatalities were reported. The March 10 storms also affected areas in Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas. During the event, Gerken experienced the destructive power of baseball-sized hail firsthand while reporting live from Interstate 57 in Kankakee. The severe thunderstorm in the area created both loud and destructive conditions, prompting a live demonstration of the storm's intensity.

Hailstorm Causes Major Vehicle Damage

While driving through the storm, Gerken described the hail impact: "Yeah, we've had a couple of baseballs come down." Shortly afterward, his vehicle's windshield shattered after two direct hits from large hailstones. Gerken commented on the sound, comparing it to "a giant pop can." Video footage shared on Fox Weather’s X account revealed the extent of the windshield damage, showing the immediate destructive effects of the hailstorm.

Record-Setting Hailstone Sizes

Meteorologist and storm chaser Tony Laubach, present in the region, measured one of the largest hailstones, which created visible craters in the ground. One hailstone observed in Kankakee reached 5.25 inches in diameter, exceeding the previous state record set in 2015. Official confirmation of the record requires proper handling by the NOAA’s State Climate Extremes Committee (SCEC).

Widespread Storm Damage Across States

The March 10 storms were part of a larger system of supercell thunderstorms moving through northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana. The NWS in Chicago reported that one supercell produced at least four tornadoes affecting Livingston and Kankakee counties in Illinois, and Newton, Jasper, and Starke counties in northwestern Indiana. Significant damage occurred, with debris scattered throughout communities such as Aroma Park, Illinois. The NWS update on March 11 confirmed that tornadoes and severe weather caused widespread destruction across the region.

Fatalities and Recovery Operations

The storm system tragically claimed two lives in Newton County, Indiana, where an elderly couple perished in a tornado on March 10. Recovery efforts in the impacted areas have focused on assessing damage, aiding residents, and providing resources for rebuilding. Authorities and meteorologists have continued to advise residents to remain cautious and stay informed about evolving weather conditions.

Conclusion

The events of March 10, 2026, highlight the severity and unpredictability of extreme weather. Baseball-sized hail caused significant damage to vehicles and property, while tornadoes led to fatalities and widespread destruction. Ongoing recovery efforts emphasize support for affected communities and monitoring for further severe weather threats throughout the region.

Sources:

• People.com: Baseball-Sized Hail Shatters Storm Tracker's Windshield During Live Broadcast
• AOL: Baseball-Sized Hail Shatters Storm Tracker's Windshield
• Yahoo News: Baseball-Sized Hail Shatters Storm Tracker’s Windshield During Live Broadcast
• Baseball-Sized Hail Shatters Storm Tracker’s Windshield During Live Broadcast