Baseball-sized hail detected near Minot, ND on September 3, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Minot 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 17 miles southeast of downtown Minot, with one report logged across Ward County that day. At 3 inches, this is baseball-sized hail — the kind that doesn't leave cosmetic damage, it leaves holes. Architectural asphalt shingles, which dominate Minot's housing stock, will sustain functional damage at this size regardless of age: granule loss, cracked mats, and compromised waterproofing are expected across virtually all shingle types. Roofs under 10 years old may avoid full replacement depending on the density of impacts, but anything older is a strong candidate for a total loss claim.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible, expect roughly $7,000 out of pocket before insurance pays. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 square foot roof runs $7,339, with replacement at $12,232. 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 Minot inspection
Minot repair cost reference
Historical context
With 77 hail events of 1 inch or larger recorded in the past 10 years, this event ranks #1 by magnitude — surpassing the previous county record of 2.75 inches set on September 20, 2019. September sees roughly 10 events per decade in Ward County, so the timing is not unusual. The magnitude, however, is.
Storm system
Grand Forks recorded half-dollar-sized hail (1.25 inches) the same day, suggesting a broader convective system was active across North Dakota — this was not an isolated cell.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows a current backlog of 1–2 weeks, which is manageable but will likely extend as inspection requests accumulate from this event. Storm chaser risk is assessed as low for Minot, though the city intake notes that most post-storm capacity comes from contractors based in larger North Dakota metros. North Dakota does not require a state-specific roofing license, so verify that any contractor holds a valid general contractor or construction license as required by your municipality. Before signing anything, ask for proof of liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and a verifiable North Dakota business address.
Permits & building code
At 3 inches, full roof replacement is the probable outcome for most homes — repair scope will depend on inspection findings, but expect a replacement conversation. The contractor pulls the permit in Minot, inspections are required, and permit costs typically run $100–$250. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most North Dakota insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, siding, and any skylights or vents before anything is repaired or cleaned up.
- 2Contact your insurance company to report potential damage and ask about your wind/hail deductible and coverage terms.
- 3Schedule a professional roof inspection with a licensed, insured contractor who has a verifiable North Dakota address and references.
- 4Verify that any contractor you hire carries general liability and workers' compensation insurance — request certificates before work begins.
- 5Keep all inspection reports, written estimates, and contractor communications in one file for your claim record.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Minot inspection
This event was detected via NOAA NEXRAD radar (SWDI) and is radar-confirmed, with a full NWS write-up pending.