Hail in Mesa County, Colorado

Between 1625 and 1650 MST, a severe storm tracked southeast through the Grand Valley from Fruita through Orchard Mesa, including the Redlands and Grand Junction, with numerous reports of severe hail from 1 inch to 1.75 inches in diameter, which is up to golf ball size. Multiple injuries occurred as a result of the large hail at the Mesa County Fairgrounds where an outdoor concert event was being held. Multiple reports of damage to windshields, roofs and siding of homes as well. The extent of injuries and damage is unknown at this time.

With abundant moisture present, eastern Utah and western Colorado were primed to see widespread thunderstorm activity. A shortwave moved through the area in the afternoon, with a strong cold front associated with it. The cold air advecting in aloft helped to steepen lapse rates, and enough sunshine had gotten through during the morning to produce CAPE values of 500-1000 J/kg - more than enough to produce strong storms west of the Divide. As a result, a number of strong to severe thunderstorms developed during the afternoon and produced severe hail and flash flooding across central western Colorado.