Hail HistoryHome › Iowa › Buchanan County › Independence
Hail history for Independence, IA
Hail has been reported within 10 miles of Independence on 30 days since 2006. The largest stones measured 3.25 in on Apr 14, 2026. Hail is most common here in May and April.
Recent hail near Independence
| Date | Hail size | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 14, 2026 | 3.25 in | Otterville, Independence, Jesup 6 hail reports · closest 1 mi from Independence |
One row per day: the largest hail reported that day within 10 miles, the places and the number of reports.
Hail days near Independence by year
When hail season peaks near Independence
Of the 30 hail days since 2006, most fell in May (8) and April (7).
Largest hail storms near Independence
Apr 14, 2026 · 3.25 in · Otterville (4 mi from Independence)
National Weather Service description (English): Image of very large hail was sent to the NWS in NWS Chat. The time was estimated from radar data.Jul 17, 2006 · 3 in (tea cup) · Waterloo (10 mi from Independence)
Aug 9, 2009 · 1.75 in (golf ball) · Three Elms Co Park (1 mi from Independence)
National Weather Service description (English): Golf ball-sized hail fell just south of Independence, IA around 1202 pm August 9.Jun 21, 2013 · 1.75 in (golf ball) · Independence (3 mi from Independence)
Mar 28, 2020 · 1.75 in (golf ball) · Otterville (2 mi from Independence)
Tornadoes within 10 miles of Independence
| Date | Rating | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 16, 2024 | EF1 | Boies Bend Co Park 6 mi from Independence |
| Mar 31, 2023 | EF? | Rowley 9 mi from Independence |
| Jul 5, 2022 | EF? | Winthrop 7 mi from Independence |
Damaging thunderstorm winds near Independence
147 reports of damaging thunderstorm wind within 10 miles of Independence since 2006, on 71 days. The strongest measured gust was 77 mph on Jul 29, 2025.
| Date | Strongest gust | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 11, 2026 | 75 mph, estimated | Independence, Independence Airport 3 wind reports |
| Aug 7, 2026 | 60 mph, estimated | Independence, Three Elms County, Stanley 6 wind reports |
| Jul 20, 2026 | 70 mph, measured | Independence Airpo 1 wind report |
| Jul 2, 2026 | damage reported | Rowley 1 wind report |
| Jun 10, 2026 | 60 mph, estimated | Independence 1 wind report |
| Apr 14, 2026 | 90 mph, estimated | Three Elms Co Park 1 wind report |
| Aug 15, 2025 | 62 mph, measured | Independence 1 wind report |
| Jul 30, 2025 | 75 mph, estimated | Jesup, Independence, Littleton 3 wind reports |
| Jul 29, 2025 | 81 mph, estimated | Independence, Jesup 7 wind reports |
| Jul 28, 2025 | 60 mph, estimated | Independence 1 wind report |
Severe thunderstorm wind means gusts of 58 mph or more, or wind that caused damage. Measured gusts come from weather stations; estimated ones from spotters and damage surveys.
Filing a roof or car hail claim?
Insurers ask for the date of loss. The dates on this page are when hail was reported near Independence; hail can hit one street and miss the next, so a report is not proof of damage at your address. A licensed roofer or your insurance adjuster can inspect the roof. Many policies set a time limit for filing a claim — check yours.
Nearby cities
- Oelwein
28 hail days - Vinton
39 hail days - Waterloo
36 hail days - Cedar Falls
34 hail days - Hiawatha
53 hail days - Marion
49 hail days - Cedar Rapids
55 hail days - Waverly
20 hail days
Data: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database (final records through Jun 30, 2026) and National Weather Service Local Storm Reports (preliminary, since then). Distances are measured from the center of Independence.
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