A powerful thunderstorm struck Greeley and Evans late Thursday afternoon, pelting the area with hail and a sudden downpour that startled many residents. The first hailstones began falling around 4:00 p.m., marking the start of a turbulent weather episode across a compact zone of Weld County, stretching from south of Lucerne, through Greeley, and down toward LaSalle.
According to the National Weather Service in Boulder, the hail—classified as graupel—reached the size of a quarter, causing immediate concern for damage to roofs, vehicle exteriors, and tree limbs. Intense rainfall quickly followed, reducing visibility and leading to temporary flooding in some low-lying areas.
The severe thunderstorm warning remained in effect until 4:45 p.m., with wind gusts expected to reach speeds of 60 mph (96.5 km/h). The combination of high-speed winds and sizable hail posed a significant threat to building exteriors, siding, and foliage, as well as to outdoor structures across the region.
A weather-alert call was issued to warn local residents of the oncoming storm. Authorities emphasized the importance of taking immediate precautions, including moving indoors to secure, enclosed buildings and remaining clear of glass windows during the storm’s peak.
