Ping pong-sized hail detected near Des Moines, IA on June 13, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Des Moines 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 hail struck approximately 10 miles northeast of downtown Des Moines, with one report logged in Polk County that day. At 1.5 inches, this size typically creates functional damage to architectural asphalt shingles — expect granule loss, exposed mat, and potential seal failures that compromise weather protection. Roofs over 15 years old face higher risk of penetration damage. This ranks as the 90th largest event in the county's 10-year record, well below the 3.25-inch maximum recorded in July 2021.
A typical homeowner with a $350,000 home faces a $7,000 deductible (2% of home value), while repair costs for a 2,000 square foot home average $6,497. 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 Des Moines inspection
Des Moines repair cost reference
Historical context
This event ranks 90th out of 262 recorded hail events in Polk County over the past decade. The largest recorded event measured 3.25 inches in July 2021. June historically produces 84 hail events in this county — the peak month for hail activity.
Storm system
This was part of a broader hail system that day, with similar-sized strikes in Sarpy County, Nebraska, and smaller hail reported in Jackson, Missouri and Dodge, Nebraska.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlog at 4–8 weeks, with high storm chaser risk expected within 24–48 hours. Iowa Code § 103A.71 requires specific contract disclosures for storm damage work tied to insurance claims. Verify general liability, workers' comp, and required Iowa disclosure statements before signing any contract.
Permits & building code
At 1.5 inches, repair is more likely than full replacement for most roofs. Contractors pull permits ($150–$400) and inspections are required. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Iowa insurers.
- 1Document visible damage with photos from ground level and note any interior leaks
- 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.
- 3Research local contractors — verify licensing, insurance, and Iowa Code compliance
- 4Keep detailed records of all damage documentation and contractor communications
- 5Avoid door-to-door solicitors and get multiple written estimates before proceeding
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Des Moines inspection
Event confirmed by NOAA NEXRAD radar data, with full National Weather Service documentation pending.