Softball-sized hail hits Colorado Springs, 8 people injured, 13 000+ claims for damage to homes and vehicles

A violent thunderstorm moved through parts of Colorado on Monday afternoon, August 6, 2018, dropping very large hail and heavy rainfall. NWS said the storm moved through Fountain, Security and Falcon with wind gusts up to 96 km/h (60 mph). The largest hailstones, nearly the size of softballs, were recorded near Colorado Springs.

One of the worst affected areas is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo where 8 out of 3 400 visitors were taken to the hospital due to hail-related injuries. All of them were evacuated and many taken by bus to Cheyenne Mountain High School were an emergency center was set up.

Almost 400 cars in the parking lot experienced extensive damage.

Zoo officials said that three birds were killed and many other injured by the hail.

Colorado Springs Fire Department said the city sustained extreme damage.

Hail also damaged vehicles in the Broadmoor Bluffs area, as well as Fountain and Security-Widefield.

The storm caused flooding across the region, including Colorado Springs, Fountain, Manitou Springs, Fort Carson, Security and Peterson Air Force Base.

Insurance and financial services giant USAA said Tuesday, August 7 it has received 8 000 claims for damage to homes and vehicles. By August 10, the number rose to 13 000 and is still expected to rise.

On June 13, 2018, Colorado Springs experienced its worst overnight storm since 1995, with thousands of cars and homes damaged. "It was a historic event, considering the time of the day," Steve Hodanish, NWS meteorologist said. 

Featured image credit: J