Forest Grove, MT Hail Storm – July 2025

Forest Grove, MT saw a concluded hail storm on July 29, 2025, with a peak confirmed hail size of 1.75 inches. The storm produced multiple radar-verified hail alerts through the afternoon and evening.

What Happened

The first hail alert came at 1:49 PM MDT with 1-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar. A second 1-inch alert followed at 4:22 PM MDT. The strongest signal arrived at 4:42 PM MDT, when radar detected 1.75-inch hail over the Forest Grove area.

Two more 1-inch alerts followed at 4:51 PM MDT and 7:09 PM MDT. The sequence shows repeated hail production across the same storm period, with the largest hail appearing in late afternoon and additional hail signals continuing into early evening.

All five alerts were tied to dual-polarization radar confidence. The final storm summary reflects a multi-zone hail event with a maximum confirmed size of 1.75 inches.

Damage Assessment

Hail in the 1-inch range can mark roofing, dent soft metal, and break weaker window screens. At 1.75 inches, the risk rises for bruised siding, damaged roof coverings, cracked skylights, and impact to gutters, vents, and exterior trim.

Because this storm produced repeated hail signals, crews should expect damage that may vary block by block. Roof hits may be uneven. South- and west-facing elevations can show different impact levels than shaded or protected surfaces. Vehicle damage is also likely where cars were exposed during the peak hail window.

Field checks should focus on asphalt shingles, ridge caps, pipe boots, window wraps, and any flat or low-slope sections that collect impact. Metal fascia, downspouts, and AC fins should also be inspected for dents and spacing loss. Interior water intrusion may follow where hail compromised flashings or brittle roof components.

What Contractors Should Know

Start with the roof plane that faced the storm’s strongest core around 4:42 PM MDT. Compare the hit pattern on slopes, hips, valleys, and penetrations. On multi-story homes, look for isolated damage on upper elevations and at transition points where wind-driven hail can concentrate impact. Photograph each elevation separately and note soft metals, vents, and skylight components before any temporary protection begins.

Use the storm’s 1-inch to 1.75-inch range to guide triage. Not every structure in the alert area will show the same level of loss, but repeated hail alerts raise the odds of a mixed damage pattern across roofs, siding, and accessories. Contractors should document collateral hits on window screens, condenser coils, fence tops, and painted trim. Keep attention on property lines, roof facets, and any areas with prior wear, since those surfaces tend to show the clearest strike pattern.

For bids and inspection notes, separate cosmetic impacts from functional roof concerns. Look for fractured mat exposure, lifted tabs, edge damage, and disturbed sealant at penetrations. Where evidence is limited, revisit the property after daylight changes or moisture exposure to verify marks that were not visible on the first pass.