Lake County severe weather
In brief: NOAA’s Storm Events Database lists 393 entries for Lake County, Indiana, from 2015 to July 2026, including 175 thunderstorm wind reports and 35 hail reports, the largest 2.75 inches near Calumet City in July 2015[1].
What does NOAA record for Lake County?
NOAA’s Storm Events Database lists weather events that caused damage or met severe criteria, by county and forecast zone[1]. For Lake County, Indiana, it holds 393 entries from February 2015 to July 2026, the most recent month in the files used here.
| Event type | Entries |
|---|---|
| Thunderstorm wind | 175 |
| Hail | 35 |
| Flood | 29 |
| Tornado | 23 |
| Winter weather | 22 |
| High wind | 19 |
| Flash flood | 15 |
| Winter storm | 11 |
| Extreme cold / wind chill and cold | 10 |
| Lake-effect snow | 3 |
| Heavy snow | 2 |
| Blizzard | 1 |
| Ice storm | 1 |
How often does hail hit Lake County?
The database lists 35 hail reports in Lake County over the period, in places from Hammond, East Chicago and Calumet City to Crown Point, Cedar Lake and Lowell[1]. The largest stone reported was 2.75 inches, near Calumet City on 13 July 2015, the same day 1.75-inch hail was reported at East Chicago and Gary. Hammond itself had a 1-inch report on 14 March 2019. Hail fell mostly from March to July, peaking in June[1].
| Date | Place | Size (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 June 2015 | Schererville | 1.75 |
| 13 July 2015 | Calumet City | 2.75 |
| 13 July 2015 | East Chicago | 1.75 |
| 13 July 2015 | Gary | 1.75 |
| 7 July 2017 | St. John | 1.75 |
| 10 June 2020 | Dyer | 1.75 |
What winter events appear?
Winter entries cluster in January (21) and February (13), with 10 in December[1]. They include a blizzard on 24 February 2016, an ice storm on 11 February 2019, lake-effect snow events in December 2016, March 2017 and January 2019, and extreme cold or wind chill in January 2018, January 2019, December 2022, January 2024 and January 2026.
What does this mean for car glass?
- Hail of 1 inch or more can chip or crack a windshield and break sunroofs and back glass; comprehensive insurance generally covers hail damage[2].
- Thunderstorm winds throw branches and debris, the most common severe event in the county.
- Extreme cold makes glass and the adhesive around it less forgiving; follow the installer’s drive-away time in winter[3].
- Ice storms tempt drivers to chip ice off with hard tools, which can scratch glass; see winter windshield damage.
What are the limits of this data?
Storm Events entries depend on reports reaching the National Weather Service, so rural or night-time hail may be missed and populated areas may be overrepresented[1]. Counts are entries, not separate storms; one storm can produce several reports. This page uses Lake County entries from the county and zone files only.
Questions and answers
How big was the largest hail in Lake County, Indiana, since 2015?
2.75 inches, reported near Calumet City on 13 July 2015, according to NOAA’s database.
When does hail usually fall in Lake County?
Mostly from March to July, with June the busiest month.
Does insurance cover hail damage to a windshield in Indiana?
Comprehensive coverage covers glass damage, including from severe weather; a deductible may apply.
Related articles
Notes
- ^ a b c d e f Storm Events Database (Lake County, Indiana, 2015 to July 2026). NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Checked 9 November 2026.
- ^ Consumer Guide to Auto Insurance. Indiana Department of Insurance. Checked 9 November 2026.
- ^ Minimum Drive-Away Times. Auto Glass Safety Council (SafeWindshields.org). Checked 9 November 2026.