Denver hailstorm coats downtown in ice

Denver was hit by a fast-moving hailstorm on Monday, June 1, that left parts of downtown coated in white slush and ice-like accumulation, according to local news reports and National Weather Service advisories. Social media images showed streets, sidewalks and building edges covered after the storm passed through the city in the afternoon. CBS Colorado reported that severe storms moved across the metro area with hail, heavy rain, damaging winds and several reported funnel clouds. No official damage total was immediately available on Tuesday. ### How much hail fell in Denver? CBS Colorado reported that the storm that hit just after 1 p.m. brought hail measuring 1 to 2 inches in diameter in places across the Denver area. The outlet said hail fell in downtown Denver and elsewhere in the metro area as intense rain moved through at the same time. Denverite reported that a roughly 10-minute hailstorm passed over Denver on Monday and that golf-ball-sized hail fell in parts of the city. (cbsnews.com) The publication said residents rushed to move cars under cover as the storm crossed the city. ### Why did downtown look covered in ice? Downtown Denver appeared coated because the hail fell hard enough and fast enough to accumulate on streets and sidewalks before it could melt. (cbsnews.com) Photos and video circulating online showed white-covered pavement and curb lines that resembled an ice or snow event more than a typical spring thunderstorm. That visual effect was amplified by heavy rain mixing with the hail, according to local coverage. (denverite.com) CBS Colorado said heavy rain was falling downtown while hail was reported across the city. Denverite described the storm as brief but intense, a combination that can leave slushy buildups on pavement even in early June. ### What did forecasters warn about before and during the storm? The National Weather Service office in Denver/Boulder said on Monday that severe thunderstorms were possible with large hail, damaging winds and possible tornadoes. (cbsnews.com) By Monday evening, the office’s hazards page showed active watches, warnings and advisories for the region, including severe thunderstorm and flood-related alerts. The Denver Post, citing National Weather Service forecasters, reported that large hail and damaging winds were expected to be the main threats, with the possibility of a brief tornado or two. (cbsnews.com) ### What other disruptions were reported around the city? Denver International Airport was put under a ground stop as the storm moved toward the airport, CBS Colorado reported. (weather.gov) The outlet said the FAA order affected departing and arriving flights and that the ground stop expired by 3:15 p.m., with a ground delay continuing into the evening. Interstate 70 traffic was also affected. (denverpost.com) CBS Colorado said video from its weather tracker showed hail falling so heavily on the north side of Denver that drivers were stopping under bridges, causing backups. ### Do officials have a damage count yet? No official citywide damage estimate had been widely published by Tuesday. The available reporting focused on storm conditions, hail size, travel disruption and images from downtown rather than a confirmed tally of damaged vehicles, roofs or public property. (cbsnews.com) Private hail-tracking services and contractors posted preliminary impact maps and estimates, but those figures were not official government damage totals. (cbsnews.com) ### Where can residents check for updates next? The National Weather Service Denver/Boulder office continued to post forecast updates, watches and advisories on Tuesday through its local hazards pages. Denver residents can also monitor local airport and traffic conditions as additional storms remain possible in the region. (cbsnews.com) (weather.gov) (hailtrace.com)