Missoula struck by golf ball-sized hail on May 28, 2026, measuring 1.75 inches in diameter.

Damage assessment

Golf ball-sized hail at 1.75 inches poses significant risk to architectural asphalt shingles, the dominant roofing material in Missoula. This magnitude typically causes functional damage including granule loss, exposed mat, and potential penetration on roofs over 10-15 years old. Newer roofs may experience primarily cosmetic damage, while older installations face higher likelihood of water infiltration issues. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles would substantially reduce damage potential at this hail size.

Missoula repair cost reference

Historical context

This event ranks #3 of 25 recorded hail events in the past decade for Missoula County. The county record remains 2.5 inches set on July 8, 2022. May historically sees no significant hail activity in this region, making this an unusually early seasonal event.

Storm system

This appears to have been an isolated hail event, with no other tracked counties reporting significant hail activity on the same day.

Contractor guidance

Current contractor backlog runs 2-4 weeks with moderate storm chaser activity expected following regional hail events. Montana law does not explicitly prohibit deductible waiver offers, but such arrangements may constitute insurance fraud or contract violations. Verify contractor licensing, obtain multiple estimates, and consult with your insurer before engaging anyone offering deductible forgiveness. Standard contractor registration requirements apply for work exceeding permit thresholds.

Permits & building code

At 1.75 inches, repair rather than replacement is most likely for affected properties. Permits ranging $150-$350 may be required depending on scope of work. Given the 10-20% insurance discount available for Class 4 shingles, upgrading during repairs could provide long-term value in this moderate hail risk area.