Baseball-sized hail detected near Ames, IA on July 20, 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 detection point fell approximately 12 miles north of downtown Ames, with one hail report logged in Story County that day. At 2.75 inches, this is functional damage territory for architectural asphalt shingles — not just cosmetic. Granule loss, cracked tabs, and compromised underlayment are realistic outcomes at this size, particularly on roofs older than ten years. Shingles already past their manufacturer warranty have less margin; they absorb impact differently than newer installations.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% deductible, the out-of-pocket threshold is $7,000 before insurance contributes. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 sq ft home runs $6,344, with a range of $5,191 to $7,497 depending on damage extent and material costs. 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 fifth by magnitude — a meaningful data point in a county with a substantial observation record. The largest recorded event reached 3 inches on July 9, 2021. July has produced 33 events over the same period, above the county's monthly average and consistent with central Iowa's midsummer hail pattern.
Storm system
Linn and Polk counties each recorded quarter-sized hail the same day, suggesting this was part of a broader system moving through central Iowa rather than an isolated storm.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of one to two weeks in the Ames area, which is relatively short. Storm chaser risk is assessed as low for this market. Iowa Code § 103A.71 governs contractors performing insurance-related storm damage repairs — it mandates specific contract disclosures and prohibits deductible waivers, which are also unlawful under Iowa Code § 515.137A. Before signing anything, verify proof of general liability insurance, workers' comp coverage, and confirm the contract includes the required Iowa consumer protection disclosures.
Permits & building code
At 2.75 inches, full roof replacement is more likely than spot repair — inspectors routinely find widespread impact pattern damage at this magnitude. The contractor pulls the permit in Ames, inspections are required, and permit costs typically run $100 to $250. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Iowa insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior surfaces from ground level before conditions change.
- 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.
- 3Verify any contractor's general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and Iowa § 103A.71 contract disclosures before signing.
- 4Keep all inspection reports, photographs, and contractor communications in a dedicated folder — paper and digital copies.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Ames inspection
This event is sourced from an NWS Local Storm Report (spotter); radar confirmation is pending.