Golf ball-sized hail detected near Billings, MT on June 27, 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 was located approximately 17 miles west of downtown Billings, with one hail report logged in Yellowstone County that day. At 1.75 inches, this size sits at the lower boundary of functional damage territory for standard architectural asphalt shingles — the dominant material in Billings. Shingles under 10 years old may show granule loss without structural failure; shingles 15 years or older are more vulnerable to bruising and cracking that compromises waterproofing. The county's largest recorded event reached 3 inches on August 12, 2019, well above today's magnitude, though 1.75 inches is sufficient to warrant a close look at older roofs.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% hail deductible, you're looking at a $7,000 out-of-pocket threshold before insurance pays anything. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 sq ft roof after this type of event runs $6,777, ranging from $5,545 to $8,009. 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 50th out of 157 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in Yellowstone County over the past decade, placing it in the middle of the county's hail record by magnitude. The largest documented event in the county reached 3 inches on August 12, 2019. June is historically active here — 38 events of this size or larger have occurred in June over the past 10 years, above the county's monthly average.
Storm system
No other tracked counties recorded hail on June 27, 2026. This appears to have been an isolated, localized event rather than part of a broader regional outbreak.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of 2 to 4 weeks in the Billings market. The intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as moderate — Billings draws out-of-area contractors after regional hail events, and a moderate local contractor density means that gap gets filled by transient crews. Montana does not require a state-level roofing license, so your main safeguards are verifying a general contractor license (if required locally), proof of liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and a current Montana business license. Ask for all of those plus references before signing anything.
Permits & building code
At 1.75 inches, repair rather than full replacement is the more likely outcome on roofs in good condition, though age and pre-existing wear can change that calculus. 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 from ground level before any cleanup or repairs begin.
- 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.
- 3Verify any contractor's general contractor license, liability insurance, workers' comp certificate, and Montana business license before allowing work to begin.
- 4Keep all inspection reports, written estimates, and contractor communications in a single file — dated records matter if a dispute arises later.
- 5Be cautious of any contractor who offers to waive your deductible; under Montana law this may constitute insurance fraud and could void your coverage.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Billings inspection
Hail size and location are based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data via SWDI and are radar-confirmed; a full NWS storm survey write-up is pending.