Rush, CO Hail Storm – July 2026

Rush, CO recorded hail up to 2.46 inches on July 28, 2026 during a multi-zone severe thunderstorm that moved through the metro area from early afternoon into the night.

What Happened

The storm produced 33 National Weather Service alerts between 1:21 PM MDT and 10:25 PM MDT. Dual-polarization radar detected hail in 20 of those alerts; 13 alerts were NWS warning-only updates without radar hail estimates. Radar-derived hail estimates reported during the event ranged from about 0.75 inch to 2.4 inches in localized cells. Multiple alerts with radar hail estimates above 1.5 inches appeared in the mid- to late-afternoon period, including notable radar returns around 3:43 PM MDT (2.23 inches) and 4:48 PM MDT (2.4 inches). The alert stream shows repeated radar-detected hail signatures across the Rush metro zone and intermittent NWS warning-only advisories as the storm evolved into early evening.

Damage Assessment

Hail exceeding 2 inches was present over parts of Rush, CO. Hail of that size can dent vehicle panels, crack or shatter glazed windows, and remove asphalt granules from roofing shingles. Mid-sized hail detected between 1.0 and 1.8 inches increases the risk of cosmetic and functional damage to siding, skylights, and exposed outdoor equipment. The alert record for this event did not include spotter-verified ground reports appended to every radar detection; field verification is needed to determine exact impact locations and severity.

Municipal and commercial property managers in the metro area should prioritize inspections for dented vehicles, damaged roof coverings, and punctured HVAC units. Photographic documentation and time-stamped location notes will assist insurance submissions and scope-of-work planning.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect roofs and vehicle fleets in Rush, CO as soon as access and safety allow. For roofs with asphalt shingles, look for bruising, missing granules, and fractured slate or tile. For metal and vinyl cladding, check for dents and stress fractures around fasteners. Record GPS locations of damaged structures and take clear before-and-after photos. Separate apparent hail damage from preexisting wear to avoid misattribution during claims processing.

Establish a triage process: prioritize wind- and rain-exposed roofing first, then vehicles and outdoor mechanical equipment. Apply temporary tarps where open roof penetrations are present, and schedule follow-up for full repair estimates. Communicate estimated timelines and measurable scopes to property owners. Retain radar-derived alert logs and time-stamped field evidence to support cause-of-loss documentation.

For a precise, map-based view of where radar detected hail strikes and the detailed damage zone available as a paid product, consult the Strike Map for this event.