Calhan, CO Hail Storm – August 2026

Calhan, CO — August 27, 2026. A late-afternoon thunderstorm produced 1.97-inch hail as it moved through the Calhan warning area before the event concluded.

What Happened

Storm activity began in the Calhan NWS warning area in the early afternoon and intensified into the late afternoon. The National Weather Service issued three hail alerts for the same storm cell as it moved through the area:

• 2:33 PM MDT – radar-detected hail returns consistent with 1.85 inches, dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD).
• 3:58 PM MDT – radar-detected hail returns consistent with 1.02 inches, dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD).
• 4:55 PM MDT – radar-detected hail returns consistent with 1.23 inches, dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD).

Aggregate radar mapping later identified the event's largest hail core inside the flagged warning area. The storm produced multiple concentrated hail cores before weakening and concluding in the early evening. All size estimates reported above are from dual-polarization NEXRAD hail detection and represent radar-derived returns within the NWS alert area.

Damage Assessment

Radar-detected hail in the Calhan warning area included multiple returns above one inch in diameter. Hail of this scale commonly causes denting to vehicle panels and metal trim, localized shingle damage on exposed roof slopes, and breakage of unprotected glass or greenhouse coverings on residential properties within the warning area. Commercial assets with rooftop equipment in the affected area, such as HVAC units and solar panels, are at elevated risk for impact damage when struck on exposed surfaces.

Localized crop and landscape impacts are likely for outdoor vegetation and young trees across the town and nearby fields. Observed radar cores were concentrated near central Calhan and extended into adjacent rural parcels inside the NWS warning area. Field verification will be required to quantify loss and to separate prior wear from new impact damage.

What Contractors Should Know

Safety first. Conduct an initial site survey from the ground to identify obvious hazards: downed branches, broken glass, loose roofing material, and displaced gutters. Photograph all observations with a dated reference and scale. For roofing, prioritize visible bruising, missing granules, cracked or split composite shingles, and any exposed underlayment along ridges and eaves. Note HVAC fins, satellite dishes, and skylights for denting or puncture.

Document vehicle and exterior siding damage for claims support. For solar arrays, inspect for microfractures and cell cracking using high-resolution imaging and IV curve testing where safe access is available. Provide homeowners with immediate temporary repairs only when those repairs reduce ongoing water ingress and meet local safety codes. Schedule full inspections and repair estimates once field crews can access roofs safely.