Golf ball-sized hail detected near Des Moines, IA on July 2, 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 radar-indicated strike fell approximately 7 miles southwest of downtown Des Moines, with one hail report logged in Polk County on this date. At 1.75 inches, golf ball-sized hail is large enough to cause functional damage — denting, cracking, or granule loss — to architectural asphalt shingles, particularly on roofs more than 10–15 years old. Newer architectural shingles may show only cosmetic bruising at this size, but that determination requires an in-person inspection, not a drive-by. Older 3-tab shingles or wood shake, found in some of Des Moines's more established areas, are more vulnerable and warrant closer attention.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible, the out-of-pocket threshold is $7,000. Typical repair costs for a 2,000 square foot roof run $6,602, ranging from roughly $5,400 to $7,800. 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 65th out of 262 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in Polk County over the past 10 years, placing it in the lower-middle tier by magnitude. The largest event on record was a 3.25-inch storm on July 9, 2021 — nearly twice today's size. July is historically active in this county, with 55 documented events over the past decade, above the monthly average.
Storm system
This was not an isolated event. Same-day hail was confirmed across a broad multi-state corridor, including 2.25-inch hail in Story County and 2-inch hail in both Woodbury County, Iowa, and Dodge County, Nebraska, pointing to a regional severe weather system rather than a localized cell.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 4–8 weeks, so scheduling sooner rather than later is practical. The intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as high — Des Moines draws out-of-state roofing crews after significant storms, and door-to-door solicitation can begin within 24–48 hours of an event. Iowa Code § 103A.71 governs residential contractors on insurance-related repairs, requiring specific contract disclosures; contractors cannot waive your deductible under Iowa Code § 515.137A, and anyone offering to do so is breaking the law. Before signing anything, verify general liability coverage, workers' comp, and that the contract includes the required Iowa disclosures.
Permits & building code
At 1.75 inches, repair rather than full replacement is a realistic outcome on newer roofs, though older or already-compromised roofing may cross the threshold into replacement territory. In Des Moines, the contractor pulls the permit, inspections are required, and permit costs typically run $150–$400 — confirm this with the contractor before work starts. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Iowa insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior soft metals like flashing or AC fins — do this before any contractor walks the roof.
- 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 before signing: ask for proof of general liability insurance, workers' comp, and confirm the contract includes Iowa's required consumer protection disclosures.
- 4Keep a written record of all contractor visits, quotes, and communications — dates and names matter if a dispute arises later.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Des Moines inspection
Hail size and location data are sourced from NOAA NEXRAD radar via the Severe Weather Data Inventory (SWDI) and are radar-confirmed; a full NWS storm survey write-up is pending.