Montrose, CO Hail Storm – September 2026

Montrose, Colorado experienced radar-detected hail on September 15, 2026, with the storm producing a multi-alert sequence and peak hail slightly larger than a US quarter. The event moved through the area from early afternoon into early evening and has concluded.

What Happened

A radar-detected hail alert issued at 1:12 PM MDT (19:12 UTC) indicated roughly quarter-sized hail in the early afternoon. The NWS issued a warning area later in the day; an alert at 6:13 PM MDT (00:13 UTC) referenced smaller, penny-sized hail within that warning area. A second radar-detected alert at 6:52 PM MDT (00:52 UTC) identified the largest radar returns for the event in the early evening. The sequence contains two dual-polarization radar detections and one NWS warning-only report. The storm is no longer active in the Montrose metro.

Damage Assessment

Observed hail sizes ranged from penny-sized to slightly larger than a US quarter. Penny-sized hail is 0.75 inches. Quarter-sized hail is 1.00 inch; the largest radar detections measured modestly above that object scale. For this event, likely loss patterns are localized and concentrated along the late-afternoon to early-evening track noted in the alerts.

Property impacts consistent with this size range include denting on vehicle body panels and aluminum components, pitting on vinyl and soft metal siding, and isolated shingle bruising or granule loss on older roof coverings. Skylights, exposed HVAC condenser fins, and unshielded solar panels are high-risk attachment points for pitting and bent fins. Widespread catastrophic roofing failures are unlikely given the observed size range, but localized roof repairs and seal breaches may appear on susceptible installations.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect roofs for bruising, granule loss, and displaced shingles. Prioritize visual inspection of ridge caps, eaves, skylights, and pipe flashings. Photograph each suspect area at multiple scales with a reference object. Check gutters, downspouts, HVAC condenser fins, and satellite dishes for dents and bent fins. For vehicles, document panel dents and broken glass separately from residential building damage.

Prepare two estimate tiers: minor repairs for localized pitting and dent removal, and moderate repairs for shingle replacement or flashing resealing when granule loss or seal failure is documented. Advise property owners to preserve pre-loss photos and to perform temporary protections only after photographic documentation. Schedule follow-up inspections within 72 hours if additional reports arrive from adjacent sections of the warning area.

View the Strike Map (paid product) for the radar-confirmed hail swath and damage zone.