Penrose, CO Hail Storm – August 2026

A hail-producing thunderstorm moved through Penrose, CO on August 20, 2026, producing up to 1.82-inch hail and prompting multiple National Weather Service alerts. The event ran from mid-afternoon into early evening and was radar-detected along a defined track.

What Happened

The storm began producing measurable hail around 3:14 PM MDT and produced intermittent hail through 6:12 PM MDT. The National Weather Service issued six separate alerts for the warning area as the cell evolved. Each alert cited dual-polarization radar hail detection over the Penrose metro area:

• Aug 20 · 3:14 PM MDT – 1.00-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.
• Aug 20 · 3:18 PM MDT – 1.37-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.
• Aug 20 · 4:37 PM MDT – 1.24-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.
• Aug 20 · 4:51 PM MDT – 1.40-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.
• Aug 20 · 5:45 PM MDT – 1.08-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.
• Aug 20 · 6:12 PM MDT – 1.60-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.

NWS alerts covered the broad warning area as the cell tracked across town. Radar-detected hail signatures were the basis for the alert sequence. The event is concluded.

Damage Assessment

Radar detections show hail sizes across the warning area ranging from about 1.0 to 1.82 inches. Hail in this size bracket commonly causes vehicle panel denting and cracked or chipped glass on exposed vehicles. Roof systems with existing wear are at increased risk of asphalt shingle granule loss and moderate shingle impact. Vinyl siding and exterior equipment such as air-conditioning condensers are also vulnerable to impact damage at these sizes.

Damage will be spatially variable along the storm path. Areas under the stronger radar detections and where hail was larger are more likely to show visible impact. On-site inspection remains the only way to verify specific damage at addresses inside the NWS warning area.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize safety and triage. Inspect roofs for broken shingles, bruising, and granule loss first. Photograph roof fields, edges, penetrations, and all damaged vehicles from multiple angles with scale reference. Note pre-existing wear and take close-up images of any hail fractures or impacted equipment. Record inspection times and GPS-tag photos where possible.

Document findings for claims and repair planning. If temporary tarping is required, secure permits and follow local codes. Estimate scope by sampling representative roof areas, then expand as needed based on observed hit density. Use the paid Strike Map for targeted canvassing to reduce travel and focus resources on the highest-probability locations. Refer to the Strike Map for the precise hail track and damage zone.