Judith Gap, MT Hail Storm – July 2025

Judith Gap, MT saw a concluded hail storm on July 28, 2025 with a peak verified hail size of 1 inch. The strongest alert for the event came in the early evening and carried radar and spotter verification.

What Happened

The storm reached Judith Gap during the early evening on July 28. The National Weather Service issued one hail alert for the area at 7:57 PM MDT, with a hail size call of 1 inch. Radar and spotter input both supported the report.

The event remained limited to a single alert in the warning area. No additional hail reports were tied to the storm after the early evening issuance. The hail threat was brief and localized rather than drawn out across multiple rounds.

Radar confidence was strong enough to support the 1-inch hail report, and the spotter verification added ground truth to the alert. The storm is now concluded.

Damage Assessment

One-inch hail usually produces scattered impacts on exposed property, with the most common issues on cars, roofs, siding, and soft metal surfaces. The actual field outcome depends on hail density, wind direction, roof age, and how long the hail core stayed over a given block.

In a single-zone event like this, the main concern is whether the storm tracked directly over occupied property or stayed offset from town. A one-inch report is large enough to leave visible marks on vehicles and trim, and it can raise concern for shingle bruising on older roofs. Newer roofing systems may show less obvious loss, but a close inspection is still standard after a verified hail hit.

For contractors, the key difference is whether the event was a brief edge hit or a direct pass through the built-up area. That distinction affects how many homes need ground inspection, how much vehicle damage may be present, and how quickly adjusters may begin calls from the area.

What Contractors Should Know

This event gives contractors a narrow target window. The alert came at 7:57 PM MDT, so initial canvassing should focus on properties that were in the storm path around that hour. Evening hail often goes unreported until the next day, which can leave a short early lead window for roof and auto inspections.

A one-inch hail report supports immediate checks for collateral hits on gutters, downspouts, fascia, window screens, and exposed siding. Crews should also look for concentrated loss on south- and west-facing slopes if wind pushed the hail at an angle. Vehicles parked outside during the alert window may show the clearest damage pattern, especially on hoods, roofs, and mirrors.

For roof work, document bruising, granule loss, cracked tabs, soft metal deformation, and any matching impact marks on vents or flashings. Keep attention on properties closest to the storm path and on homes with older shingles or prior weather wear. In a single-alert event, a few verified addresses can establish the field pattern quickly.

Judith Gap, MT Hail Storm – July 2025

NWS WARNING AREAS · 45

What Happened

Damage Assessment

What Contractors Should Know

Storm Details

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