Large hail fell during a severe thunderstorm in Colorado on Tuesday, July 28 [4].
The event highlights the volatility of summer weather in the U.S. Mountain West, where rapid atmospheric shifts can lead to damaging precipitation and high-velocity winds.
Reports indicated that the hail struck Lyons, Colorado [1], while other reports noted accumulation on Colorado Highway 60 between Johnstown and Milliken [5]. Video shared by Ken Feldman captured the intensity of the storm as hail buried local roads [1].
The National Weather Service had previously issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the region. "Afternoon thunderstorms could bring hail the size of ping-pong balls and 70 mph winds to eastern Colorado on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service," the National Weather Service said [3].
Measurements of the hail varied across reports. The Denver Post described the hail as approximately 1.5 inches in diameter [1], while AccuWeather's Tony Laubach said hail up to 1.25 inches fell for nearly an hour [2]. These stones created drifts on the ground, complicating travel for motorists in the affected areas.
Wind gusts reached up to 70 mph [3], adding to the risk of property damage and power outages. Local meteorologists warned that the instability in the atmosphere was not limited to the Denver area. "More heavy rain, flooding and wind will be concerns for southern Colorado," the KKT V Weather Team said [6].
The combination of strong updrafts and moisture allowed the hail to grow to significant sizes before falling. This pattern is common during the peak of the summer season in the high plains, though the scale of the drifts reported on Tuesday was notable.
“"Afternoon thunderstorms could bring hail the size of ping-pong balls and 70 mph winds"”
The occurrence of large-diameter hail and high wind gusts underscores the ongoing challenge for infrastructure and agriculture in Colorado. Frequent severe convective storms during July can lead to significant crop loss and automotive damage, placing a recurring strain on local insurance markets and emergency management services.
