Ping pong-sized hail detected near Wichita, KS on September 20, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Wichita 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 sits approximately 18 miles southwest of downtown Wichita, with one hail report logged in Sedgwick County that day. At 1.5 inches, architectural asphalt shingles are at the functional damage threshold — granule loss accelerates, mat bruising is likely, and shingles older than 10–12 years are most vulnerable. Cosmetic hits can hide structural compromise, so age and pre-storm condition matter. Sedgwick County's largest recorded event — 2.75 inches on September 4, 2025 — caused more definitive loss; today's event sits well below that benchmark.
A 2% wind/hail deductible on a $179,500 home works out to roughly $3,590 out of pocket before insurance pays anything. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 square foot roof in this market runs $6,337, with estimates ranging from $5,185 to $7,489. Get a professional inspection before making any insurance decisions.
At these numbers, the typical repair cost exceeds a standard 2% deductible. Contact your insurer — damage at this level is likely worth filing before you pay out of pocket.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Wichita inspection
Wichita repair cost reference
Historical context
This event ranks 134th out of 398 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in Sedgwick County over the past 10 years — a moderate storm by local standards. The county record stands at 2.75 inches, set September 4, 2025. September historically produces fewer events than the spring peak; only 14 September events appear in the 10-year record, compared to 178 in May alone.
Storm system
A matching 1.5-inch event was recorded the same day in Jasper, Missouri, suggesting this was part of a broader system rather than an isolated cell.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 4–8 weeks, so scheduling an inspection sooner reduces your wait. Storm chaser risk in Wichita is rated high — door-to-door solicitations typically begin within 24–48 hours of a notable event, so vet anyone who shows up uninvited. Kansas requires roofing contractors to hold a valid registration certificate under the Kansas Residential Roofing Act (KSA § 50-6,123 et seq.), which means verified general liability coverage, workers' comp, and an annual tax clearance. Confirm registration through the Kansas Attorney General's office before signing anything.
Permits & building code
At 1.5 inches, repair rather than full replacement is the more common outcome, though it depends on shingle age and pre-existing condition. Contractors pull permits in Wichita; expect permit costs of $150–$400 with a required inspection. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Kansas insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior surfaces from ground level before anything is disturbed.
- 2Schedule a professional roof inspection — given current backlogs, book within the next few days.
- 3Contact your insurer to report potential damage and ask about your specific policy's claim process.
- 4Verify any contractor's Kansas Attorney General registration before allowing anyone on the roof or signing a contract.
- 5Keep all receipts, inspection reports, and written estimates in a single folder for your claim file.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Wichita inspection
Hail data for this event is sourced from NOAA NEXRAD radar (SWDI) and is radar-confirmed, with full NWS write-up pending.