Greeley, CO Hail Storm – September 2026

Greeley, CO experienced a short-lived but intense hail event on September 6, 2026, with peak hail reaching 1.6 inches. The storm produced multiple radar-detected hail signatures and prompted three NWS alert areas during the early evening and late evening hours.

What Happened

NWS issued three alerts tied to the same storm path on September 6. At 6:54 PM MDT the first radar-detected alert identified 1.31-inch hail. A second radar-detected alert followed at 7:17 PM MDT with a 1.35-inch detection. A later radar-detected alert at 10:52 PM MDT registered 1.55-inch returns. The event is reported as concluded.

Radar returns were measured by dual-polarization NEXRAD and produced a consistent hail signal across successive scans. The alert sequence shows initial intensification in the early evening, a persistence of hail-producing cores into mid-evening, and renewed radar returns late in the evening. NWS alert areas covered central and eastern sections of the Greeley metro during those periods.

Damage Assessment

Maximum radar-detected hail size reached 1.6 inches over portions of Greeley on September 6. That size is larger than a quarter (1.00 inch) and smaller than a golf ball (1.75 inches). Hail at this size commonly causes cosmetic and functional damage to exposed surfaces.

Likely impacts include denting to unprotected vehicle panels, bruising or loss of asphalt shingle granules on roofs, cracked skylights, and surface damage to soft exterior equipment such as HVAC condenser housings and satellite dishes. Metal trim and vinyl siding may show dents or punctures where hail was concentrated. Roofing inspections should focus on asphalt shingle loss, granule depletion, and bruised fiberglass or composite shingle matting.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize photographic documentation dated to September 6, 2026, with visible scale references for hail-related impacts. Focus initial inspections on vehicle fleets, accessible roofing, skylights, HVAC condensers, and solar arrays in central and eastern Greeley. Note hail patterning and collect roof deck exposure indicators before any temporary repairs. Temporary tarping is appropriate where interior water entry is present.

Estimate repairs based on observed material condition rather than assumed severity. For roofing, check for granule loss, shingle edge fractures, and soft spots that indicate mat tearing. For siding and metal, document dent locations and take close-up and wide-angle photos that include addressable landmarks. Supply chain for replacement shingles and skylights may be affected by concurrent regional events; schedule definitive repairs only after confirming material availability.

Paid subscribers can view the Strike Map for the radar-confirmed hail swath and associated damage zone.