Baseball-sized hail detected near Billings, MT on September 7, 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 strike landed approximately 12 miles northeast of downtown Billings, with one report logged in Yellowstone County that day. At 2.75 inches, hail this size causes functional damage to architectural asphalt shingles — not cosmetic. Expect granule loss, cracked tabs, and compromised waterproofing, with older or previously weathered roofs taking the worst of it. For reference, the county's largest recorded event reached 3 inches on August 12, 2019; this event comes close to that threshold.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% deductible, the threshold to clear is $7,000. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 square foot roof runs $7,264, with the range landing between $5,944 and $8,585 depending on scope. 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 Billings inspection
Billings repair cost reference
Historical context
Among 157 tracked hail events of 1 inch or greater in Yellowstone County over the past decade, this event ranks sixth by magnitude — a meaningful position in a well-documented record. The county's largest hail on record was 3 inches on August 12, 2019. September is historically quiet here; no events of this threshold have been recorded in September over the past 10 years, making this storm an outlier for the month.
Storm system
No other counties reported hail activity on September 7, 2026. This was an isolated event, not part of a broader multi-county outbreak.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of 2 to 4 weeks following this event. Storm chaser risk in Billings is rated moderate — out-of-area crews typically move in after significant regional hail, and this event's size will draw them. Montana does not require a state-level roofing license, so the burden falls on the homeowner to vet every contractor. Before signing anything, ask for proof of general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, a current Montana business license, and local references — and be cautious of any contractor who offers to cover or waive your deductible, as that arrangement can constitute insurance fraud under Montana law.
Permits & building code
At 2.75 inches, full roof replacement is the more likely outcome on older shingle systems rather than patch repair. Billings requires a permit for roof replacement; the contractor pulls it, cost runs $150 to $350, and an inspection is required on completion. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Montana insurers.
- 1Document roof, gutters, skylights, and any exterior surfaces with dated photos before weather or foot traffic changes conditions.
- 2Schedule a professional roof inspection — prioritize licensed local contractors over unsolicited door-knockers.
- 3Contact your insurer to report potential damage and ask about the claim process and your specific policy terms.
- 4Request proof of liability insurance, workers' comp, and a Montana business license from any contractor before allowing them on the roof.
- 5Keep all inspection reports, contractor bids, and correspondence in one file — you will need them if a claim is disputed.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Billings inspection
This event is sourced from an NWS Local Storm Report (spotter); radar confirmation is pending.