Baseball-sized hail detected near Cheyenne, WY on August 26, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Cheyenne 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 center was approximately 15 miles north of downtown Cheyenne, with one report logged in Laramie County that day. At 2.75 inches, hail this size causes functional damage to architectural asphalt shingles — not just cosmetic bruising. Granule loss, cracked tabs, and compromised waterproofing are likely on roofs older than 10 years; newer roofs may show less severe but still claimable damage. Older sections of Cheyenne's housing stock with 3-tab shingles or wood shake are at higher risk and require separate handling during any claim assessment. Note that Laramie County's largest recorded event reached 4.25 inches in May 2019, so this event, while serious, falls below that county maximum.
On a $360,800 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible, the out-of-pocket threshold is approximately $7,216 before insurance contributes anything. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 sq ft roof after a hail event of this magnitude runs $5,664, with a range of $4,634 to $6,693. Get a professional inspection before making any insurance decisions.
At these numbers, you're better off repairing out of pocket — the typical repair cost falls below your deductible. Filing a claim likely isn't worth it unless a full inspection reveals significantly more damage.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Cheyenne inspection
Cheyenne repair cost reference
Historical context
Among 291 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in Laramie County over the past 10 years, this event ranks 14th by magnitude — a meaningful position in a county that sees regular activity. The county record stands at 4.25 inches on May 26, 2019. August historically produces about 60 hail events per decade in this county, which is above the monthly average and confirms that late-summer storms remain a real hazard here.
Storm system
This was not an isolated event. Same-day hail reports spanned multiple Colorado counties — including 2.5-inch hail in Fremont County and 2-inch hail in both Arapahoe and Douglas counties — indicating a broad regional severe weather system pushed through the Front Range and southeastern Wyoming corridor.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 4 to 8 weeks, so scheduling sooner rather than later limits delays. The storm chaser risk assessment for Cheyenne is rated high — door-to-door solicitation from out-of-state contractors typically begins within 24 to 48 hours of significant storms, and those contractors are not subject to the same local accountability as established Cheyenne roofers. Wyoming does not require a state-level roofing license, so the burden of vetting falls entirely on you. Before signing anything, ask for proof of general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and industry certifications such as GAF Master Elite or CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster — then verify each document directly with the issuing body.
Permits & building code
At 2.75 inches, whether repair or full replacement is warranted depends on roof age and the extent of functional damage found during inspection — but replacement is a realistic outcome for older roofs. Cheyenne requires a permit for roofing work; the contractor pulls it, cost runs $150 to $400, and inspection is required before the job is considered complete. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–30% discount with most Wyoming insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior surfaces — date-stamp every image before anything is repaired or disturbed.
- 2Get a repair estimate from a licensed contractor before contacting your insurer — at these numbers, out-of-pocket repair is likely cheaper than filing a claim.
- 3Vet any contractor before signing: request proof of general liability insurance, workers' comp, and industry certifications — verify each document independently.
- 4Keep a written record of all contractor visits, quotes, and conversations, including the names and license or certification numbers provided.
- 5If a contractor offers to waive your deductible, walk away and report the offer to the Wyoming Department of Insurance at https://doi.wyo.gov/consumers.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Cheyenne inspection
Hail size and location data are sourced from NOAA NEXRAD radar via the Severe Weather Data Inventory (SWDI) and are radar-confirmed; a full NWS written summary is pending.