Trinidad, CO Hail Storm – September 2026

A severe hail event impacted Trinidad, Colorado on September 25, 2026, producing a peak radar-verified hail diameter of 2.17 inches and fast-moving, compact hail cores.

What Happened

Storm convection developed in the late afternoon over southern Colorado and tracked through the Trinidad metro area on September 25. The National Weather Service issued two region-wide severe thunderstorm alerts tied to dual-polarization radar detections. At 2:12 PM MDT a radar core returned hail estimates near 1.28 inches. At 2:53 PM MDT a second radar core registered near 1.27 inches. The overall event has concluded. Radar analysis indicates concentrated, short-duration cores embedded within a broader thunderstorm corridor through the Trinidad area.

Damage Assessment

Hail reached a maximum radar-verified diameter of 2.17 inches. Hail in this range commonly causes clear impacts to roofing materials and exposed vehicles. Expect localized shingle granule loss, bruised or split asphalt shingles, and denting of aluminum and steel panels where impacts were concentrated. Vehicle panels and windshields are vulnerable to dents and cracked glass when impacts are frequent in a short period. Siding materials and rooftop-mounted equipment, including skylights and solar panels, are at elevated risk where hail struck repeatedly. Smaller hail cores recorded by radar indicate areas of mixed damage potential along the storm track rather than a uniform swath.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize field inspections in the immediate Trinidad metro corridor and along the radar-indicated track. Start with rooftop assessments for granule loss, split or missing shingles, and penetrations around vents and flashing. Photograph defects with scale references and note locations precisely for repair estimates. For vehicle-related work, document dent patterns and windshield cracks separately from structural claims.

Confirm material compatibility before ordering replacements. For asphalt roofing, assess whether isolated shingle replacement or full-panel work is required by the extent of granule loss and underlying membrane damage. For metal panels and siding, check for deformation that affects attachment points. If solar arrays or skylights were exposed, verify frame integrity and glazing before approving replacements.

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