Golf ball-sized hail detected near Ames, IA on June 28, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Ames monitoring area. Actual impact can vary by neighborhood, so nearby homes should use this as a signal to check roofs, gutters, siding, and vehicles.
Damage assessment
The radar-confirmed strike was located approximately 8 miles north of downtown Ames, with one hail report logged across Story County that day. At 2.5 inches, this is functionally damaging hail for architectural asphalt shingles — the size is well above the threshold where impact damage moves from cosmetic granule loss to cracked tabs, dented valleys, and compromised underlayment. Roof age matters considerably here: shingles past 15 years are more brittle and will show worse bruising than newer installations. This event does not exceed the county's largest recorded hailstone of 3 inches on July 9, 2021.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% deductible, your out-of-pocket threshold is $7,000. Typical repair costs for a 2,000 square foot roof run $6,243 — ranging from $5,108 to $7,378 depending on slope, material condition, and labor. Get a professional inspection before making any insurance decisions.
At these numbers, you're better off repairing out of pocket — the typical repair cost falls below your deductible. Filing a claim likely isn't worth it unless a full inspection reveals significantly more damage.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Ames inspection
Ames repair cost reference
Historical context
Among 176 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in Story County over the past ten years, this event ranks 10th by magnitude. The largest event on record reached 3 inches on July 9, 2021. June historically produces 31 hail events in this county over a ten-year span, which is above average for any single month outside of May.
Storm system
Same-day hail activity was reported across a wider regional corridor, including 0.75-inch hail in Minnehaha County, SD, and Blue Earth County, MN, and 1.5-inch hail in Black Hawk County, IA — suggesting a multi-cell or organized convective system, not an isolated storm.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows a current backlog of 1–2 weeks, which is manageable compared to post-major-storm markets. Storm chaser risk is assessed as low for the Ames area. Iowa Code § 103A.71 imposes specific contract disclosure requirements on residential contractors performing insurance-related storm damage work — this is not optional paperwork. Before signing anything, verify general liability coverage, workers' comp, and that the contract includes the mandatory Iowa consumer protection disclosures.
Permits & building code
At 2.5 inches, full replacement is more likely than spot repair on older roofs — partial repairs on hail-damaged asphalt shingles often fail re-inspection. The contractor pulls the permit in Ames, inspection is required, and permit costs typically run $100–$250. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Iowa insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior HVAC equipment now — date-stamped photos establish pre-repair condition.
- 2Get a repair estimate from a licensed contractor before contacting your insurer — at these numbers, out-of-pocket repair is likely cheaper than filing a claim.
- 3Vet any contractor you hire: request proof of general liability insurance, workers' comp documentation, and confirm the contract includes required Iowa disclosures under Iowa Code § 103A.71.
- 4Keep all written estimates, contracts, and inspection reports in one file — you will need this paper trail if a dispute arises later.
- 5Be aware that Iowa law prohibits contractors from waiving your deductible; any offer to do so is a violation of Iowa Code § 515.137A and grounds to walk away.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Ames inspection
This event is radar-confirmed via NOAA NEXRAD (SWDI) and is pending a full NWS ground-truth write-up.