Watkins, CO Hail Storm – August 2026

A severe hail event moved through Watkins, Colorado on August 22, 2026, producing 3.39-inch stones at peak and multiple radar-detected hail pulses across the metro area.

What Happened

NWS issued 12 alerts tied to the storm between 2:29 PM MDT and 11:36 PM MDT. Several alerts were based on dual-polarization radar detection; others were issued from the NWS warning polygon. Alerts began with a radar-detected hail signal at 2:29 PM MDT and included additional radar-detected pulses in the late afternoon and early evening. Key radar-detected alerts occurred in the mid-afternoon and again around 6:45 PM MDT. Two field submissions bracketed the strongest activity over Watkins. At 5:25 PM MDT a mPING submission recorded quarter-inch hail. At 6:48 PM MDT a trained spotter reported nickel-to-quarter-sized hail accompanied by 40 to 50 mph winds. The combination of radar-detected pulses and spotter-verified reports indicates multiple threat pulses moving through the same corridor during the late afternoon and early evening.

Damage Assessment

Field reports from the storm area describe small hail and short-duration wind gusts rather than widespread severe surface destruction. The 5:25 PM MDT mPING submission recorded quarter-inch hail. The 6:48 PM MDT spotter submission described nickel-to-quarter hail and 40–50 mph wind gusts. Neither field report indicated roof failures or large-scale structural collapse in the Watkins reporting area. Dual-polarization radar showed repeated hail returns over the metro corridor during the event, indicating concentrated swaths of impact rather than uniform coverage across the entire town. Localized vehicle and vegetation impacts are the most consistent observations in the available field data. No spotter submissions from Watkins included photographic evidence of shattered skylights or complete siding loss.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize inspections for properties located along the radar-detected hail swaths and at the coordinates of the spotter submissions. Start with vehicle panels, soft metal trim, and unprotected HVAC equipment. Small stones and nickel-to-quarter impacts commonly dent aluminum and thin metal, damage paint, and clog gutters. Photograph each suspect area with a visible timestamp and GPS data. Note the time of observation and, if possible, gather a brief witness statement referencing the 6:48 PM MDT spotter observation when applicable.

On roofs, check for localized shingle bruising, granule loss, and cracked sealant around vents and flashing. Focus first on south- and west-facing exposures where hail trajectories often concentrate. Inspect gutters, downspouts, and gutter guards for accumulations of hail-derived debris. For trees and landscaping, document broken small branches and split limbs; the 40–50 mph wind report from 6:48 PM MDT increases the likelihood of minor limb damage even where hail was small.