Golf ball-sized hail detected near Pueblo, CO on August 20, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Pueblo monitoring area. Actual impact can vary by neighborhood, so nearby homes should use this as a signal to check roofs, gutters, siding, and vehicles.
Damage assessment
The radar-confirmed strike landed approximately 12 miles northwest of downtown Pueblo — one report was logged across Pueblo County that day. At 2 inches, golf ball-sized hail is large enough to cause functional damage to standard architectural asphalt shingles, not just cosmetic bruising. Expect cracked or missing granules, compromised mat integrity, and accelerated aging — especially on roofs older than 10 years. Roofs under 5 years with thicker shingles may show less functional loss, but any age roof warrants a close look at this size.
On a $230,900 home with a 2% deductible, a homeowner is looking at roughly $4,618 out of pocket before insurance contributes. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 square foot home runs $6,417, with a range of $5,250 to $7,584 depending on roof complexity and current labor rates. Get a professional inspection before making any insurance decisions.
At these numbers, the typical repair cost exceeds a standard 2% deductible. Contact your insurer — damage at this level is likely worth filing before you pay out of pocket.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Pueblo inspection
Pueblo repair cost reference
Historical context
Among 86 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in Pueblo County over the past 10 years, this event ranks 9th by magnitude — a top-tier storm for this area. The largest on record reached 3 inches on July 13, 2023, well above today's 2-inch reading. August historically sees 13 events per decade in this county, placing it above average and consistent with the tail end of Colorado's active hail season.
Storm system
This was not an isolated event. Fremont County recorded 1.75-inch hail the same day, and El Paso County matched Pueblo's 2-inch reading — pointing to a broader regional system moving through southern Colorado.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 2 to 4 weeks, which is manageable but can stretch if neighboring counties generate additional demand. The intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as moderate — Pueblo does see out-of-area contractors move in after regional events, and the gap left by a moderate local market makes that worse. Colorado does not issue a state roofing license, but Senate Bill 38 (C.R.S. §§ 6-22-101 to 6-22-105) requires a written contract on any residential job over $1,000 with specific consumer protections built in. Before signing anything, confirm the contractor carries general liability and workers' comp, has a verifiable local address, and can produce documentation — anyone offering to cover your deductible is breaking Colorado law and potentially exposing you to fraud liability.
Permits & building code
At 2 inches, full replacement is a real possibility on older or thinner shingles — repair alone may not restore watertight integrity on a degraded roof. In Pueblo, the contractor pulls the permit (typically $150–$350) and an inspection is required, so factor that into your timeline. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Colorado insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior metal surfaces — dents on AC units or vents are useful supporting evidence.
- 2Schedule a professional roof inspection with a licensed, locally verifiable contractor.
- 3Contact your insurer to report potential damage and ask about your policy's claim process and any deadlines.
- 4Before signing a contract, verify the contractor's general liability coverage, workers' comp certificate, and written contract compliance under C.R.S. § 6-22-105.
- 5Keep a written record of all contractor visits, adjuster meetings, and communications — dates, names, and what was said.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Pueblo inspection
This event was detected via NOAA NEXRAD radar (SWDI) and is radar-confirmed, with a full NWS write-up pending.