Baseball-sized hail detected near Bismarck, ND on August 11, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Bismarck 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-indicated strike fell approximately 14 miles northeast of downtown Bismarck, with one confirmed report logged in Burleigh County that day. At 3.25 inches, hail this size routinely causes functional damage to architectural asphalt shingles — not just cosmetic bruising, but granule loss and cracked mat that compromises waterproofing. Roofs older than 10–12 years are especially vulnerable; aged shingles lose flexibility and fail faster under this kind of impact. Burleigh County's record holder is 4.5 inches from July 2024, so this event is serious but not the county's worst.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible, the out-of-pocket threshold is $7,000. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 sq ft home runs $7,684, with a range of $6,287–$9,081 depending on pitch, access, and materials. 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 Bismarck inspection
Bismarck repair cost reference
Historical context
Among 150 tracked hail events of 1 inch or greater in this area over the past 10 years, this event ranks fourth by magnitude — a statistically rare occurrence with a meaningful sample behind that rank. The county record stands at 4.5 inches on July 29, 2024. August has produced 46 hail events in 10 years, above the county's monthly average and second only to July's peak of 77.
Storm system
No other tracked counties recorded hail activity on August 11, 2026. This was an isolated event, not part of a broader multi-county system.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of 2–4 weeks, which is typical for a moderate-density market absorbing a significant hail event. The intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as moderate — Bismarck's limited post-storm local capacity tends to draw out-of-area crews following major regional events. North Dakota does not require a state roofing license, so verify that any contractor holds a valid municipal general contractor or construction license where required, carries general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and can provide a physical North Dakota business address along with verifiable local references. Get documentation of all three before signing anything.
Permits & building code
At 3.25 inches, full roof replacement is a realistic outcome on older shingle roofs rather than spot repair. In Bismarck, the contractor pulls the permit — expect a permit cost of $150–$350 and a required inspection before the job closes. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most North Dakota insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior surfaces from ground level before anything is disturbed — date-stamp every image.
- 2Schedule a professional roof inspection by a licensed, insured contractor to assess whether damage is functional or cosmetic.
- 3Contact your insurance carrier to report potential hail damage and ask about the claim process and any policy-specific filing window.
- 4Vet every contractor before signing: confirm licensing, liability coverage, workers' comp, and a verifiable North Dakota business address.
- 5Keep all written estimates, inspection reports, photos, and contractor communications in one folder — you will need them if a claim dispute arises.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Bismarck inspection
This event is radar-confirmed via NOAA NEXRAD (SWDI) and is pending full NWS written verification.