The record-breaking hailstone highlights the severity of the March 10 supercell storm, which caused significant damage in Kankakee and surrounding areas. The storm also produced 12 tornadoes, including a destructive EF3 tornado that traveled 36 miles through Kankakee and Aroma Park, Illinois. The state has experienced an unprecedented number of tornadoes in 2026, with 210 confirmed so far, far exceeding the annual average of 66 and nearing the U.S. state record of 244 set by Texas. These extreme weather events underscore the increasing risks posed by severe storms in the region.