Ping pong-sized hail detected near Billings, MT on July 10, 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 centroid placed this strike approximately 18 miles southeast of downtown Billings, with one hail report logged in Yellowstone County that day. At 1.5 inches, architectural asphalt shingles are at the threshold where functional damage — granule loss, cracked tabs, compromised mat — becomes likely, particularly on roofs older than 10 to 12 years. Newer shingles may show only cosmetic bruising, but that distinction matters when an adjuster is standing on your roof. Yellowstone County's largest recorded event was a 3-inch storm on August 12, 2019; today's event is well below that benchmark.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible, your out-of-pocket threshold is $7,000 before insurance pays anything. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 square foot roof after a 1.5-inch event runs $6,886, with a range of $5,634 to $8,138. 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 74th of 157 recorded hail events of 1 inch or greater in Yellowstone County over the past decade — solidly mid-tier. The county record stands at 3 inches on August 12, 2019. July is the most active hail month in this county, with 69 events logged over the same period, so a storm like this in mid-July is historically routine, not exceptional.
Storm system
No other tracked counties recorded hail activity on July 10, 2026. This was an isolated event, not part of a broader regional outbreak.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of 2 to 4 weeks in the Billings market following storm activity. The intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as moderate — Billings draws out-of-area contractors after regional events, and a moderate local contractor density means that gap gets filled from outside. Montana does not require a state-level roofing license, so verification falls entirely on the homeowner: confirm general liability insurance, workers' compensation, a current Montana business license, and references before signing anything. If a contractor offers to waive your deductible, walk away — under Montana law that arrangement can constitute insurance fraud.
Permits & building code
At 1.5 inches, repair rather than full replacement is the more likely outcome for shingles in good condition, though older or already-degraded roofs may cross into replacement territory. Billings permits are pulled by the contractor, cost runs $150 to $350, and an inspection is required before the work is signed off. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Montana insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, and any exterior surfaces — document before any weather changes conditions further.
- 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.
- 3Confirm the contractor carries general liability insurance, workers' compensation, and a current Montana business license before allowing anyone on your roof.
- 4Keep a written record of all contractor conversations, inspection reports, and any repair estimates you receive.
- 5If repair work proceeds, verify the contractor pulls the required permit and that the city inspection is completed before final payment.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Billings inspection
Hail detection for this event is based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data (SWDI) and is radar-confirmed, with a full NWS storm report pending.