Golf ball-sized hail detected near Aberdeen, SD on July 7, 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 14 miles northwest of downtown Aberdeen, with one hail report logged in Brown County that day. At 1.75 inches, architectural asphalt shingles are at meaningful risk — this size is generally sufficient to crack or bruise shingle granules, creating functional damage that can accelerate aging and allow water infiltration. Roofs older than 15 years are most vulnerable; newer shingles in good condition may show only cosmetic pitting on some faces. Brown County's largest recorded event hit 3.5 inches in July 2025 — nearly twice this magnitude — so the county has seen far more destructive events than this one.
On a $205,500 home with a 2% deductible, your out-of-pocket threshold is approximately $4,110. Typical repair costs for a 2,000 sq ft home in this area run $5,723, with a replacement estimate around $9,538. 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
This event ranks 32nd out of 123 hail events of 1 inch or larger recorded in Brown County over the past 10 years — middle of the pack, not extreme. The largest event on record is the 3.5-inch storm from July 28, 2025. July is historically active here, with 41 documented events over the past decade in this month alone.
Storm system
No other tracked counties logged hail events on July 7, 2026. This was an isolated storm, not part of a regional outbreak.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 1–2 weeks, which is manageable — don't let urgency push you into a bad contract. Storm chaser risk is assessed as low for Aberdeen, though most post-storm capacity comes from contractors based in South Dakota's larger metros rather than local crews. South Dakota law under SDCL Chapter 36-18A requires residential roofing contractors to hold a state license through the Contractors Board. Before signing anything, verify the contractor's license status, confirm they carry general liability and workers' comp, and note that South Dakota SB 145 prohibits any contractor from waiving or rebating your deductible — a contract with that promise is void by law.
Permits & building code
At 1.75 inches, whether your roof needs repair or full replacement depends on shingle age and the inspection findings — both outcomes are plausible. Aberdeen requires a permit for roofing work; the contractor pulls it, cost runs $100–$250, and an inspection is required on completion. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most South Dakota insurers.
- 1Document roof, gutters, siding, and any exterior surfaces with dated photos as soon as it's safe to do so.
- 2Schedule a professional roof inspection — prioritize licensed South Dakota contractors with verifiable local references.
- 3Verify any contractor's license through the South Dakota Contractors Board and request proof of general liability and workers' compensation coverage before signing.
- 4Contact your insurer to report potential damage and ask about your specific policy's claim process and any applicable deadlines.
- 5Keep all inspection reports, photos, and contractor communications in one file in case you need them later.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Aberdeen inspection
Hail data for this event is sourced from NOAA NEXRAD radar via the Severe Weather Data Inventory (SWDI) and is radar-confirmed, with a full NWS written report still pending.