Baseball-sized hail detected near Garden City, KS on June 20, 2026

Damage assessment

The radar-indicated strike center was approximately 19 miles northwest of downtown Garden City, with one hail report logged in Finney County that day. At 3.25 inches — baseball size — architectural asphalt shingles of any age face likely functional damage: cracked or missing granules, fractured mat, and compromised water-shedding capability. Cosmetic damage alone is not the concern here; at this magnitude, even newer shingles sustain the kind of impact that shortens roof life and voids manufacturer warranties. A separate storm the same day in Ford County produced 4-inch stones, suggesting an active regional system that day.

Garden City repair cost reference

Historical context

This event ranks second out of 162 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in the area over the past ten years — the largest on record was a 3.5-inch event on May 23, 2016. June historically produces 42 such events over the same period, above the county's per-month average. May is the peak month at 61 events, but late June storms here can produce outsized stones given the strong updrafts common over the western High Plains.

Storm system

This was not an isolated cell — Ford County recorded 4-inch hail the same day, pointing to a regional severe weather system moving through southwest Kansas. A single-county report count does not capture the full extent of what moved through the area.

Contractor guidance

Local contractor data shows a current backlog of 1–2 weeks and characterizes storm chaser risk as low, though most post-storm capacity in Garden City draws from contractors based in larger Kansas metros. Under the Kansas Residential Roofing Act (KSA § 50-6,123 et seq.), any contractor doing roofing work must hold a valid registration certificate issued by the Kansas Attorney General — operating without one is a civil violation, and an unregistered contractor cannot pursue legal claims in Kansas courts. Registration requires general liability insurance, workers' comp, and an annual tax clearance from the Kansas Department of Revenue. Verify registration status through the Kansas Attorney General's office before signing anything.

Permits & building code

At 3.25 inches, full roof replacement is the more likely outcome than a patch repair — the damage pattern at this magnitude typically affects the entire slope, not isolated sections. The contractor pulls the permit in Garden City, inspections are required, and permit costs run $100–$250. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Kansas insurers.