Fort Morgan, CO Hail Storm – September 2026

Fort Morgan, Colorado saw a concluded hail-producing thunderstorm on September 7, 2026 that produced up to 1.6-inch hail in a multi-zone aggregate. The storm moved through the Fort Morgan metro in the late afternoon into the early evening.

What Happened

A localized hail-producing thunderstorm tracked across northeastern Morgan County on September 7. The National Weather Service issued two alert areas that covered the Fort Morgan warning area during the event. The first alert was issued September 7 · 5:39 PM MDT (23:39 UTC) and reported 1.14-inch hail detected by dual-polarization NEXRAD hail detection. The second alert was issued September 7 · 6:43 PM MDT (00:43 UTC) and reported 1.13-inch radar-detected hail. These two alerts are the basis for the multi-zone aggregate. Aggregated radar returns within the event footprint reached up to 1.6 inches in diameter. The event has concluded.

Damage Assessment

Hail near 1.6 inches in diameter typically produces concentrated cosmetic and functional damage on exposed surfaces. Expect denting on vehicle body panels, cracked or fractured single-pane skylights, and loss of granules on asphalt shingles that can accelerate roof wear. Vinyl siding and exterior trim may exhibit pockmarks. Agricultural impacts in the Fort Morgan area can include leaf shredding and bruising on fruit and vegetable crops where foliage was exposed during the late-afternoon to early-evening storm.

Available alert messages and public reports associated with the event did not include spotter-verified structural collapse or widespread catastrophic failures. Property owners within the Fort Morgan warning area should prioritize inspections of vehicles, roofing, skylights, and exposed crops to document any hail-related deterioration.

What Contractors Should Know

Roofing contractors should inspect for granule loss, split or curled tabs, and bruised shingles that can indicate impact even when holes are not visible. Measure and photo-document damage with a clear scale reference and time stamp. Use a U.S. quarter (1.00 in) and a golf ball (1.75 in) in photos to show relative hail size; 1.6-inch stones sit between those references. Note roof slope and exposure when creating repair estimates.

Auto and exterior contractors should review horizontal vehicle surfaces, hood panels, roofs, and door edges for dents and paint fractures. Agricultural contractors should assess field margins, orchard canopies, and young stands for leaf loss and fruit scarring before making harvest or replanting recommendations. Log findings with GPS or address references, collect repair estimates, and coordinate scheduling with property owners and insurers. Expect elevated inspection demand in the Fort Morgan warning area after a late-afternoon to early-evening hail event.

The paid Strike Map provides the radar-confirmed hail swath and damage zone for this event.