La Junta, CO Hail Storm – September 2026

La Junta, CO experienced late-evening severe hail on September 9, 2026; radar-detected hail reached 3.47" as the storm produced a multi-zone hail track across the city and nearby areas. The event concluded in the early hours of September 10.

What Happened

The storm produced a sequence of 16 NWS alerts between 10:05 PM MDT and 12:38 AM MDT. The first alert issued at 10:05 PM MDT reported 1.99" hail detected by dual-polarization radar. The event continued through late evening with multiple radar-detected hail reports and two alerts issued as NWS warning-only observations.

Key points in the alert timeline:

• 10:05 PM MDT – 1.99" hail – radar-detected by dual-polarization radar
• 10:55 PM MDT – 2.46" hail – radar-detected
• 11:19 PM MDT – 2.50" hail – NWS warning only
• 11:26 PM MDT – 3.35" hail – radar-detected
• 11:56 PM MDT – 2.56" hail – radar-detected
• 12:38 AM MDT – 1.25" hail – radar-detected

Radar detections account for most alerts in the sequence. Two alerts were logged as NWS warning-only observations. The system recorded a persistent hail track through the La Junta metro area and adjacent zones before the storm concluded after midnight.

Damage Assessment

Observed radar hail sizes during the event ranged from about 1.25" to 3.35" in the alert sequence, with a peak radar-verified hail measurement reaching 3.47". Hail above 1.00" (quarter-sized) commonly produces cosmetic vehicle dents and shingle bruising on roofs. Hail in the 2.0" to 2.75" range (golf-ball to baseball-sized starts at 1.75" and 2.75", respectively) can break roof granules, crack siding, and dent vehicle panels. Hail at or above 3.00" can fracture skylights, crack older asphalt shingles, and break windows on exposed structures.

In La Junta city limits and nearby unincorporated areas, structures with aging roofing, outdoor equipment, and unprotected vehicles are at higher risk. No spotter-verified damage reports are included in this summary; damage observations should be tied to on-site inspections or spotter reports for claim documentation.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize roof triage for properties with visible shingle loss, exposed underlayment, or punctured skylights. Conduct a documented photo survey from accessible vantage points before performing temporary repairs. For vehicles, document dent patterns, broken glass, and paint damage. Use date-stamped photos and note locations relative to the hail track for claims processing.

For temporary protection, secure tarps with proper anchoring and avoid adhesive methods that damage intact roofing. Schedule full inspections for structures showing concentrated impact zones or interior leaks. Maintain PPE and ladder safety protocols when working on steep or high roofs. Log all labor and material costs separately for insurance submittals.