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URGENT: Severe Storm Watch Hits Denver & Eastern Plains—Take Cover Now!
Big Storms Coming to Eastern Colorado: What You Need to Know
What’s Happening?
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for eastern Colorado and parts of Nebraska. This means the conditions are right for some really strong storms to develop this afternoon.
IMPORTANT ALERT
Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect until 8:00 PM Tuesday
- Main threats: Large hail (ping-pong ball size) and damaging winds (up to 70 mph)
- Areas affected: 18 counties in eastern Colorado including Denver metro area
- Time frame: This afternoon through early evening
Where Will the Storms Hit?
The watch covers these 18 Colorado counties:
- Adams
- Arapahoe
- Cheyenne
- Crowley
- Douglas
- Elbert
- El Paso
- Kiowa
- Kit Carson
- Lincoln
- Logan
- Morgan
- Phillips
- Pueblo
- Sedgwick
- Washington
- Weld
- Yuma
This includes the Denver metropolitan area!
How Big is "Ping-Pong Ball" Hail?
When forecasters say "ping-pong ball size," they mean hail that’s about 1.5 inches across.
Here’s a simple size comparison:
| Hail Size | Everyday Object | Is It Severe? |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 inch | Pea | No |
| 0.75 inch | Penny | No |
| 1.00 inch | Quarter | YES – This is the minimum for "severe" |
| 1.50 inches | Ping-pong ball | YES – Very dangerous |
| 1.75 inches | Golf ball | YES |
| 2.75 inches | Baseball | YES – Extremely dangerous |
DID YOU KNOW?
Hail forms when strong updrafts in thunderstorms carry raindrops upward into very cold parts of the atmosphere, where they freeze. The stronger the updraft, the bigger the hail can grow!
What About the Wind?
The storms could bring winds of 70 mph or higher. Here’s why that matters:
- 50-60 mph winds are officially considered "damaging"
- 70 mph winds can:
- Snap tree branches and knock down whole trees
- Damage roofs, siding, and fences
- Blow around unsecured outdoor items (trampolines, patio furniture, etc.)
- Make driving dangerous, especially for high-profile vehicles
SURPRISING FACT
Damage from severe thunderstorm winds accounts for half of all severe weather reports in the lower 48 states. That’s more common than tornado damage!
How to Stay Safe: 5 Simple Steps
- Stay informed – Keep a weather app or radio handy for updates
- Secure outdoor items – Bring in or tie down anything that could blow away
- Park under cover – If possible, park cars in a garage or under a carport
- Stay inside – Don’t go outside during the storm, especially if you hear hail
- Stay away from windows – Large hail can break glass
Quick Summary
| What | Severe Thunderstorm Watch |
|---|---|
| When | Until 8:00 PM Tuesday |
| Where | 18 eastern Colorado counties + parts of Nebraska |
| Main Threats | Hail up to 1.5" (ping-pong ball), Winds up to 70 mph |
| Includes Denver? | Yes |
| Status | Developing story – check for updates |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between a "watch" and a "warning"?
A: A watch means "be prepared" – conditions are right for severe weather. A warning means "take action now" – severe weather is happening or about to happen. Right now we have a watch, but warnings could be issued later.
Q: Should I cancel my afternoon plans?
A: If your plans involve being outdoors in the watch area, it’s smart to have a backup plan. Keep an eye on the sky and your phone for alerts. Storms typically hit in the afternoon/evening.
Q: My car is parked outside. What should I do?
A: If you have access to a garage, carport, or even a parking garage, move your car there now. If not, thick blankets or a car cover might help with smaller hail, but ping-pong ball hail can dent cars even through covers.
Q: Is this related to climate change?
A: While individual storms can’t be directly blamed on climate change, scientists say a warming atmosphere can hold more moisture and energy, which can fuel stronger storms. But severe spring storms are also very normal for Colorado!
Q: Where can I get the latest updates?
A:
- National Weather Service Boulder: weather.gov/bou
- Local TV meteorologists
- Weather radio (NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards)
- Reliable weather apps with push alerts enabled
Final Thoughts
This is a developing situation. The watch is in effect until 8 PM, but storms could continue after that. The most important things to remember:
- Take it seriously – Ping-pong ball hail and 70 mph winds can cause real damage
- Prepare now – Secure outdoor items and park vehicles safely before storms arrive
- Stay inside – Once storms hit, the safest place is indoors, away from windows
- Keep checking – Conditions can change quickly
Stay safe, Colorado!
This article is based on information from the National Weather Service and National Severe Storms Laboratory. For the most current official information, always check weather.gov.
