Decker, MT Hail Storm – July 2025

Decker, MT was struck by a hail-producing storm on 2025-07-21. The event concluded with a maximum confirmed hail size of 2 inches.

What Happened

The storm first produced hail at 2:54 PM MDT, when dual-polarization radar indicated 1.25-inch hail near Decker. Hail reports and radar detections continued through the afternoon and evening as the storm maintained a hail core over the area.

By 4:00 PM MDT, radar support had increased to 1.5-inch hail. A spotter report at 4:15 PM MDT matched that size, followed by additional radar detection at 4:18 PM MDT. Verified reports at 4:32 PM MDT held at 1.5 inches.

The storm strengthened again before late afternoon. At 4:56 PM MDT, radar and a spotter confirmed 1.75-inch hail. More 1.5-inch and 1.75-inch detections followed at 5:28 PM MDT, 5:34 PM MDT, 6:24 PM MDT, and 6:59 PM MDT. Additional radar and spotter-verified reports held the hail size in the 1.5 to 1.75-inch range through early evening.

The highest confirmed size came at 10:03 PM MDT, when radar and a spotter verified 2-inch hail. A final report at 10:59 PM MDT noted 1-inch hail as the storm weakened. In total, 17 hail alerts were mapped across the event.

Damage Assessment

Hail in the 1.25 to 1.75-inch range can break windows, dent metal roofs, and leave visible impacts on siding, gutters, vents, and HVAC covers. The 2-inch peak raises the likelihood of roof cover damage, especially on older shingles, lightweight metal, and exposed edges such as ridges, valleys, and flashing.

Vehicles parked in the warning area can show denting across hoods, roofs, and trunk lids. Screened enclosures, skylights, and soft roofing components are also common inspection points after hail of this size. Field crews should expect mixed damage across nearby properties, with the heaviest impacts concentrated under the storm core.

What Contractors Should Know

Crews working Decker should prioritize roof inspections, exterior trim, window screens, and exposed mechanical equipment. Document impact marks, granule loss, fractured vents, and broken attachments before any temporary repairs begin. Note the transition from 1.25-inch hail to 2-inch hail, since that range often separates cosmetic loss from more serious roof and glazing damage.

Start canvassing where the storm first produced verified hail and extend outward along the hail path as later reports came in through 10:59 PM MDT. Focus on older asphalt shingles, soft metals, and north- and west-facing exposures where impacts may be easier to confirm. Use consistent photos, address-level notes, and roof pitch details so claim files are ready for carrier review.

For precise hail track data, view the Strike Map.