Golf ball-sized hail detected near Gillette, WY on July 8, 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 landed approximately 16 miles south of downtown Gillette — one report was logged in Campbell County that day. At 1.75 inches, golf ball-sized hail is capable of functional damage to standard architectural asphalt shingles, not just cosmetic bruising. Granule loss, cracked tabs, and compromised underlayment become realistic outcomes, particularly on roofs older than 10–12 years. Campbell County has recorded events up to 3 inches — the July 2023 storm — so this event sits in the moderate range for the area.
A 2% wind/hail deductible on a $264,500 home works out to roughly $5,290. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 sq ft roof runs $5,144, with the range landing between $4,209 and $6,080 depending on slope, materials, and labor availability in this market. 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 10 years — solidly in the middle of the county's documented history. The largest event on record is 3 inches on July 17, 2023, a storm that produced severe damage across the area. July is historically the most active month in Campbell County, accounting for 73 events over the same 10-year window.
Storm system
The same day brought 1.25-inch hail reports in both Pennington County, SD and Albany County, WY, suggesting a broader regional storm system was active across the northern plains rather than an isolated cell.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of 1–2 weeks in the Gillette market. The intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as moderate following significant regional events — Gillette's thin local roofing market means most post-storm capacity arrives from contractors based elsewhere in Wyoming. Wyoming does not require a state-level roofing contractor license, so verification falls entirely on the homeowner. Before signing anything, ask for proof of general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and an industry credential such as GAF Master Elite or CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster.
Permits & building code
At 1.75 inches, the outcome on an aging roof could go either way — repair is plausible on newer installations, but replacement becomes likely once a licensed inspector identifies functional damage across multiple roof sections. In Campbell County, the contractor pulls the permit (estimated $150–$350), and an inspection is required. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–30% discount with most Wyoming insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior surfaces showing dents or granule accumulation — do this before the next rain.
- 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 liability insurance, workers' comp, and a recognized industry credential.
- 4Be cautious of any contractor offering to waive your deductible — Wyoming law does not explicitly prohibit this, but it may constitute insurance fraud; verify with your insurer if you receive such an offer.
- 5Keep all receipts, inspection reports, and written contractor bids in one file in case documentation is needed later.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Gillette inspection
Hail magnitude and location are based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data (SWDI) and are radar-confirmed; a full NWS storm survey write-up is pending.