Golf ball-sized hail detected near Gillette, WY on June 26, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Gillette 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 approximately 19 miles southeast of downtown Gillette, with one report logged in Campbell County that day. At 1.75 inches, hail this size typically causes functional damage to standard architectural asphalt shingles — bruising, granule loss, and cracked tabs are likely on roofs older than 10 to 15 years; newer roofs may show cosmetic damage only. Functional damage means shortened lifespan and potential for accelerated leaking, not necessarily immediate interior water intrusion. Campbell County's largest recorded event reached 3 inches in July 2023, which is a more severe threshold — this event falls well below that benchmark.
On a $264,500 home with a 2% deductible, a homeowner's out-of-pocket threshold is approximately $5,290 before insurance pays anything. Typical repair cost on a 2,000 square foot roof runs $5,062, with a range of $4,142 to $5,983. 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 Gillette inspection
Gillette repair cost reference
Historical context
This event ranks 29th out of 112 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in Campbell County over the past ten years, placing it in the middle of the county's documented hail record. The largest event on record reached 3 inches on July 17, 2023. June historically produces 38 hail events in a ten-year span for this county, making it an above-average month for hail activity.
Storm system
No other tracked counties recorded hail events on June 26, 2026. This storm was an isolated event rather than part of a broader regional outbreak.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of 1 to 2 weeks, which is relatively short — though Gillette's thin local roofing market means post-storm capacity often depends on contractors coming in from larger Wyoming metros. The intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as moderate following regional hail events. Wyoming has no state-level roofing contractor license, so verification falls to the homeowner — confirm general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and industry certifications such as GAF Master Elite or CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster before signing anything. If a contractor offers to waive your deductible, contact your insurer directly before proceeding, as such offers can implicate insurance fraud under Wyoming statute.
Permits & building code
At 1.75 inches, repair is the more likely outcome for roofs in reasonable condition, though older or already-compromised roofs may warrant full replacement. In Campbell County, the contractor pulls the permit, inspections are required, and permit costs typically run $150 to $350. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10 to 30% discount with most Wyoming insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any vehicles or exterior surfaces showing impact marks — date-stamp everything.
- 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.
- 3Verify contractor credentials: request proof of general liability insurance, workers' compensation, and any relevant industry certifications.
- 4Keep a written record of all contractor contacts, estimates, and communications related to this event.
- 5If you proceed with repairs, confirm the contractor will pull the required permit and that a post-repair inspection is scheduled.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Gillette inspection
Hail data is sourced from NOAA NEXRAD radar via the Storm Data Web Interface (SWDI) and is radar-confirmed; a full NWS event write-up is pending.