Pritchett, CO Hail Storm – August 2025

What Happened

Pritchett, CO saw a concluded hail storm on August 11, 2025, with peak hail measured at 1.25 inches. The storm produced one severe weather alert for the area, issued at 5:41 PM MDT.

Radar confidence supported the hail call. The alert cited dual-polarization radar and NEXRAD hail detection at 1.25 inches. The storm remained a single-zone event tied to one warning area in and around Pritchett.

The timing placed the hail threat in the early evening, after a day that had enough instability to support a focused severe cell. The event did not expand into multiple overlapping alerts.

Damage Assessment

Hail up to 1.25 inches can break softer roof materials, dent vents, and scar siding, trim, and window frames. Vehicles parked outside can show visible impacts on hoods, roofs, and mirrors. Skylights and older roof penetrations are common check points after this size hail.

On residential properties, the first inspection pass should include slopes that face the storm path, ridge caps, soft metal flashing, and gutters. Granule loss on asphalt shingles may not be obvious from the ground. Siding checks should include the upper elevations where hail strikes are often concentrated.

For commercial sites, inspect metal roof panels, HVAC fins, condensers, downspouts, and roof-mounted accessories. Flat roofs can show puncture or membrane scuffing if the hail was driven by stronger winds within the storm core. Fenestration damage may be limited to screens, seals, and exposed trim, but each building should be checked separately.

This event was limited in scope, but the hail size is large enough to create localized claims across exposed property. Inspectors should document each elevation, each slope, and each accessory before temporary repairs begin.

What Contractors Should Know

Start with a fast exterior walkaround. Focus on slope direction, elevations that face open terrain, and the highest impact surfaces. Measure visible bruising, cracked tabs, dented soft metals, and mechanical damage on rooftop equipment. Photograph every side of the structure before any cleanup or tarping.

For roofs, separate cosmetic marks from functional damage. On asphalt systems, look for fresh granule loss, exposed mat, creased tabs, and hail hits along ridges and edges. On metal, check for oil-canning, seam distortion, fastener issues, and finish loss. On synthetic or specialty materials, verify whether impacts left fractures, punctures, or deformation. Keep findings tied to the structure and the storm date.

Field teams should also check detached garages, sheds, patios, fences, and awnings. Smaller accessory structures often show the first clear signs of hail because they use lighter materials. Vehicles and exterior mechanicals can help confirm the hail footprint when roof damage is borderline.