Ping pong-sized hail detected near Aberdeen, SD on June 28, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Aberdeen 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 15 miles northwest of downtown Aberdeen, with one hail report logged in Brown County that day. At 1.5 inches, hail of this size is capable of causing functional damage to standard architectural asphalt shingles — the dominant roofing material in Aberdeen — particularly on roofs that are 10 or more years old, where granule loss accelerates water infiltration. Newer roofs may show cosmetic bruising without immediate leakage, but that distinction matters for both repair costs and insurance eligibility. Brown County's record includes events up to 3.5 inches, so this was a moderate event by local standards, not an outlier.
On a home at Aberdeen's median value of $205,500, a standard 2% deductible works out to approximately $4,110 out of pocket. Typical repair costs for a 2,000 square foot roof run $5,632, with a range of $4,608 to $6,656 depending on slope, access, and material condition. 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 Aberdeen inspection
Aberdeen repair cost reference
Historical context
Among 123 Brown County hail events of 1 inch or larger recorded over the past 10 years, this event ranks 45th by magnitude. The county's largest recorded event was 3.5 inches on July 28, 2025. June historically produces 28 hail events of this size in the county over a 10-year window, putting it above average for the area.
Storm system
Minnehaha County reported 0.75-inch marble-sized hail the same day, suggesting a broader but relatively modest system moved through eastern South Dakota. The two events were not co-located, and Brown County's activity appears to have been its own discrete cell.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of 1 to 2 weeks in the Aberdeen area, and storm chaser risk is assessed as low, with most post-storm capacity coming from contractors based in larger South Dakota markets. South Dakota requires residential roofing contractors to hold a license through the Contractors Board under SDCL Chapter 36-18A — verify any contractor's license status before signing. Ask for proof of current general liability and workers' comp coverage. Under South Dakota SB 145, any contractor who offers to waive or rebate your deductible is violating state law, and any contract signed under those terms is void.
Permits & building code
At 1.5 inches, repair rather than full replacement is the more likely outcome on roofs in reasonable condition, though age and existing wear will drive that determination. Brown County requires a contractor-pulled permit ($100–$250) and a post-installation inspection. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most South Dakota insurers.
- 1Document roof and exterior surfaces with dated photographs before any repairs begin.
- 2Schedule a professional roof inspection with a licensed South Dakota roofing contractor.
- 3Contact your insurer to report potential damage and ask about your policy's inspection and claim process.
- 4Verify the contractor's license status through the South Dakota Contractors Board and confirm current general liability and workers' comp coverage.
- 5Keep copies of all inspection reports, estimates, and communications with your insurer in one file.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Aberdeen inspection
Hail size and location are based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data (SWDI); a full NWS storm survey has not yet been completed for this event.