Golf ball-sized hail detected near Billings, MT on June 22, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Billings 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-confirmed strike landed approximately 15 miles north of downtown Billings, with one report logged across Yellowstone County that day. At 2.25 inches, this size is large enough to cause functional damage to standard architectural asphalt shingles — meaning the shingle mat can fracture, granule loss accelerates, and the roof's ability to shed water is compromised, not just its appearance. Age is the deciding factor: shingles already past 15 years are vulnerable to functional damage at this size, while newer roofs may show only cosmetic bruising. The county's largest recorded event reached 3 inches on August 12, 2019 — today's storm was meaningful, but not at that threshold.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% hail deductible, your out-of-pocket threshold is $7,000 before insurance contributes anything. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 sq ft roof after a storm like this runs $6,777, with a range of $5,545 to $8,009 depending on pitch, access, and damage extent. 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 Billings inspection
Billings repair cost reference
Historical context
This event ranks ninth out of 157 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in Yellowstone County over the past 10 years, placing it among the more significant storms in that record. The largest on record for this county remains the 3-inch event from August 12, 2019. June is historically active here — 38 events over 10 years — though July holds the peak at 69 events.
Storm system
Campbell County, Wyoming reported 2-inch hail the same day, suggesting this was part of a broader regional system rather than an isolated cell over Billings.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of 2 to 4 weeks following recent storm activity. The intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as moderate — Billings draws out-of-area contractors after major regional events, and the city's limited post-storm capacity makes that gap predictable. Montana does not require a state-level roofing license, so your vetting has to do the work that licensing would normally do. Before signing anything, ask for a general contractor license (if required by your local jurisdiction), proof of liability insurance, workers' comp coverage, and a current Montana business license — and be cautious of any contractor who offers to waive your deductible, as Montana law treats that as a potential insurance fraud issue.
Permits & building code
At 2.25 inches, repair is plausible on newer roofs, but replacement becomes the more likely outcome on aged shingles or where damage is widespread. Billings requires a permit for roof work — the contractor pulls it, inspections are required, and permit costs typically run $150 to $350. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Montana insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior surfaces showing dents or dings — date-stamp everything before any work begins.
- 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 every contractor before signing: request proof of liability insurance, workers' comp, a Montana business license, and references from recent local jobs.
- 4Keep a written record of all contractor conversations, estimates, and any documentation you receive — store copies off-site or in cloud storage.
- 5Report any contractor who offers to waive your deductible to the Montana Department of Insurance at https://svc.mt.gov/insurance/.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Billings inspection
Hail size and location are based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data (SWDI); a full NWS storm survey write-up is pending.