Golf ball-sized hail detected near Madison, WI on June 10, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Madison 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
Golf ball sized hail at 2 inches represents a significant threat to standard architectural asphalt shingles, the dominant roofing material in Madison. At this magnitude, functional damage is likely on roofs over 10-15 years old, including granule loss, exposed mat, and potential cracking that compromises weather protection. Newer roofs may show primarily cosmetic damage, while Class 4 impact-resistant shingles would likely sustain minimal functional damage at this hail size.
With a typical 2% deductible on a $350,000 home, the homeowner responsibility would be $7,000, while typical repair costs for a 2,000 square foot roof average $7,163. Since repair costs are close to the deductible threshold, a professional inspection is essential to determine whether damage is cosmetic, manageable out of pocket, or extensive enough to warrant an insurance claim discussion. Deductibles vary by individual policy terms, so homeowners should review their declarations page for their specific coverage details.
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 Madison inspection
Madison repair cost reference
Historical context
This event ranks #28 out of 235 documented hail events in Dane County's 10-year record, making it a significant but not unprecedented occurrence. The largest recorded event remains the 2.75-inch hail on April 18, 2025. June historically sees 36 hail events per decade in this county, making this timing typical for Wisconsin's peak severe weather season.
Storm system
This hail event was part of a broader storm system that produced significant hail across the upper Midwest, with reports ranging from 1-inch hail in Cook County, Illinois to 2.5-inch hail in Kane County, Illinois.
Contractor guidance
Madison's high-density contractor market currently shows 4-8 week backlogs following this regional storm event. Wisconsin law prohibits contractors from offering to pay, waive, or absorb insurance deductibles under Wisconsin Insurance Code provisions, so homeowners should avoid any such offers. While Wisconsin does not require state-level roofing contractor licensing, homeowners should verify contractors are properly registered with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services and carry appropriate insurance and bonding as required by local ordinances. Scheduling repairs 2-3 weeks ahead can help avoid extended delays as demand surges.
Permits & building code
At 2-inch magnitude, roof repair is more likely than full replacement unless the roof was already near end-of-life. Contractors handle permit pulling, with costs ranging $150-350 and inspections required. While Class 4 shingles are not mandated, the 10-20% insurance discount may justify the upgrade during repairs, especially given Madison's moderate hail risk profile.
- 1Document any visible exterior damage with photographs for insurance records
- 2Schedule a professional roof inspection to assess functional versus cosmetic damage
- 3Review insurance policy declarations page for specific deductible and coverage terms
- 4Verify contractor registration with Wisconsin DSPS before signing any agreements
- 5Avoid contractors offering to waive or pay your insurance deductible
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Madison inspection
This hail event was confirmed by NOAA NEXRAD radar through the Storm Weather Database Integrated system, with full National Weather Service documentation pending.