Golf ball-sized hail detected near Madison, WI on July 2, 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
The radar-confirmed strike landed approximately 16 miles northeast of downtown Madison, with one hail report logged across Dane County that day. At 2.25 inches, hail this size routinely causes functional damage to standard architectural asphalt shingles — cracked or missing granules, bruised mat, and compromised water resistance rather than cosmetic surface marks alone. Roofs older than 10–12 years are most exposed; aged shingles lose flexibility and granule adhesion, making them significantly more vulnerable to impact at this magnitude. Dane County's record event reached 2.75 inches on April 18, 2025, which is larger than today's storm, but 2.25 inches is well above the threshold where professional inspection is warranted.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% deductible, the out-of-pocket threshold is $7,000 before insurance pays anything. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 sq ft roof in this area runs $7,279, with a range of $5,955–$8,602 depending on pitch, access, and material. 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 Madison inspection
Madison repair cost reference
Historical context
This event ranks 12th out of 235 hail events of at least 1 inch recorded in Dane County over the past 10 years — putting it in the top 6% by magnitude. The largest on record is 2.75 inches, also in Dane County, on April 18, 2025. July historically produces about 29 events in this county over a 10-year span, making this month active but not the peak — that distinction belongs to April at 88 events.
Storm system
The same system produced 1.25-inch hail in Olmsted County, MN and 1.75-inch hail in Black Hawk County, IA, indicating a broader regional event rather than an isolated cell.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 4–8 weeks, so scheduling sooner rather than later reduces wait time. The intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as moderate following major regional events like this one — unsolicited door-to-door contractors warrant extra scrutiny. Wisconsin does not require a state-level roofing license, but contractors should be properly registered with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services if they hold themselves out in a regulated trade. Before signing anything, verify general liability coverage, workers' compensation, and any bonding required by Dane County or municipal ordinance — and note that Wisconsin law prohibits contractors from offering to waive or absorb your insurance deductible.
Permits & building code
At 2.25 inches, full replacement is a realistic outcome on older roofs, though repair may suffice on newer installations depending on inspection findings. Dane County requires a permit for roofing work — the contractor pulls it, inspections are required, and permit costs typically run $150–$350. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Wisconsin insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any outdoor property from ground level before anything is disturbed.
- 2Schedule a professional roof inspection with a licensed, insured local contractor — do not rely on a visual check from the ground at this hail size.
- 3Contact your insurance carrier to report potential damage and start the claims process.
- 4Verify any contractor's general liability insurance, workers' comp coverage, and DSPS registration before allowing work to begin.
- 5Keep all inspection reports, contractor estimates, and correspondence in one file in case a claim dispute arises later.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Madison 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 write-up still pending.