Impending Storm Could Bring ‘Tennis Ball-Sized’ Hail to These Midwest Cities This Week

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A new round of severe weather is taking aim at the Plains and Upper Midwest this week, with damaging hailstorms threatening homes, cars, and communities across multiple states. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service warn that parts of Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are especially at risk, with some cities facing up to a 15% chance of hail over the next 72 hours.

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While hail is a common springtime hazard, this week’s storms could be particularly destructive. Some forecasters are predicting hailstones larger than two inches in diameter – or “tennis ball-size” – that could shatter windows, dent vehicles, and cause other property damage. A closer look at the data reveals the cities facing the biggest hail threat this week.

To identify the cities with the greatest hail threat week, Climate Crisis 247 analyzed the latest 72-hour hail probability forecasts from the National Digital Forecast Database of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Cities were ranked based on the likelihood of experiencing hail within 25 miles of their borders from July 2 to July 4, 2025. Historical hail data from 1950 to 2024 are also from the NOAA. Only cities with at least 8,000 residents were considered.

10. Stevens Point, WI

Photo by KJ . on Unsplash

  • Probability of hail event in next 72 hours: 5.0%
  • No. hail events, 1950-2024: 19 storms
  • Value of all homes: $1.3 billion
  • Population: 25,549
 

9. Worthington, MN

Photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann on Unsplash

  • Probability of hail event in next 72 hours: 5.0%
  • No. hail events, 1950-2024: 22 storms
  • Value of all homes: $542.9 million
  • Population: 13,838
 

8. Plover, WI

Photo by Cole Marshall on Unsplash

  • Probability of hail event in next 72 hours: 5.0%
  • No. hail events, 1950-2024: 27 storms
  • Value of all homes: $806.2 million
  • Population: 13,549
 

7. Albert Lea, MN

Photo by DerTobiSturmjagd on Pixabay

  • Probability of hail event in next 72 hours: 5.0%
  • No. hail events, 1950-2024: 23 storms
  • Value of all homes: $924.1 million
  • Population: 18,434
 

6. Austin, MN

Photo by Cody Otto on Unsplash

  • Probability of hail event in next 72 hours: 5.0%
  • No. hail events, 1950-2024: 29 storms
  • Value of all homes: $1.2 billion
  • Population: 26,156
 

5. Mason City, IA

Photo by Josh Berendes on Unsplash

  • Probability of hail event in next 72 hours: 5.0%
  • No. hail events, 1950-2024: 57 storms
  • Value of all homes: $1.4 billion
  • Population: 27,271
 

4. Waverly, IA

Photo by Farai Gandiya on Unsplash

  • Probability of hail event in next 72 hours: 5.0%
  • No. hail events, 1950-2024: 14 storms
  • Value of all homes: $693.9 million
  • Population: 10,399
 

3. Waterloo, IA

Photo by Shawn Schroeder on Unsplash

  • Probability of hail event in next 72 hours: 5.0%
  • No. hail events, 1950-2024: 82 storms
  • Value of all homes: $3.0 billion
  • Population: 67,256
 

2. Cedar Falls, IA

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

  • Probability of hail event in next 72 hours: 5.0%
  • No. hail events, 1950-2024: 58 storms
  • Value of all homes: $2.5 billion
  • Population: 40,686
 

1. Alliance, NE

Photo by Jason Dent on Unsplash

  • Probability of hail event in next 72 hours: 15.0%
  • No. hail events, 1950-2024: 51 storms
  • Value of all homes: $415.5 million
  • Population: 8,118
 


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