Holly, CO Hail Storm – August 2026

Holly, CO experienced a concluded hail-bearing storm late on August 30, 2026. The multi-zone event produced coin-sized to slightly larger hail and generated four sequential NWS warnings across the area.

What Happened

The storm moved through the Holly warning area in the late afternoon and into the overnight period. NWS issued four separate warnings related to hail on the local track. The advisory sequence was:

• August 30 · 6:05 PM MDT – 1.00 inch hail – NWS warning only
• August 30 · 8:27 PM MDT – 1.00 inch hail – NWS warning only
• August 30 · 9:17 PM MDT – 0.88 inch hail – NWS warning only
• August 31 · 1:15 AM MDT – 1.25 inch hail – NWS warning only

Radar returned hail signatures along the warning track concurrent with the advisory windows. The warnings were issued by the National Weather Service without embedded spotter damage reports. The event is concluded and no further warnings are active for this track.

Damage Assessment

Warning messages for the event reported hail sizes ranging from 0.88 inch to 1.25 inch across the multi-zone track covering areas near Holly. Those sizes correspond to coin-sized to slightly larger stones in the NWS object scale used in warnings. The warning set did not include spotter-verified damage reports in the message text.

For structures and vehicles inside the warning area, expected outcomes at these stone sizes include surface dents to vehicle body panels, pitting or chipped paint on exposed surfaces, and localized damage to vulnerable roof coverings such as older asphalt shingles and soft metal panels. Skylights, solar panels without protective covers, and unprotected outdoor equipment are at elevated risk of impact-related cracking. Agricultural exposure in low-cover crops and exposed produce may show hail bruising and canopy loss in the tracked swath.

No field-verified damage observations were included in the NWS warning messages for Holly. Recorded impacts should be documented on site with time-stamped photos and location notes to support follow-up inspections and claims.

What Contractors Should Know

Begin external assessments with vehicle fleets, HVAC condenser units, and roof perimeters where hail typically accumulates. Use ground-based inspection first to identify dent patterns and broken glass. If rooftop access is required, confirm structural safety and use fall protection. Photograph damage with a location reference and a visible timestamp. Record pre-existing versus new damage when possible.

Prioritize temporary mitigation on damaged roofs and equipment to limit water intrusion. Replace or secure loose panels and cover exposed openings with appropriate tarps or sheeting until permanent repairs are scheduled. Coordinate documented findings with adjusters and provide measured estimates for replacement versus repair. Maintain crew safety protocols when working on ladders or wet surfaces.