The east side has grown rapidly, with subdivisions such as Stetson Hills, Banning Lewis Ranch and many others laid out on former ranch land. Homes here are mostly newer, built with modern framing, sheathing and architectural shingles. Trees are often young, so there is little natural windbreak and little canopy over roofs.
Storms that form over the mountains often mature as they move east over the plains, and the east side can sit in the path of strong thunderstorms with large hail. With open ground around many neighborhoods, wind-driven hail hits siding, fences and windows on the exposed side of the house hard.
Drainage is engineered: detention ponds, channels and storm drains move water toward creeks such as Sand Creek and its tributaries. When a heavy cell stalls, streets and channels can run fast and deep for a short time. Stay out of drainage channels during storms, even when they look dry before the rain.
East side storm patterns and responses
| Pattern | Why | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Siding and window damage on one side | Little shelter from wind-driven hail | Photograph every wall and screen; check siding for cracks in cold weather |
| Fence panels down | Long runs of wood fence exposed to gusts | Coordinate repairs with neighbors and HOA |
| Shingle loss on newer roofs | Wind on open ground; sealing issues on roofs installed in cold months | Walk the yard after wind days |
| Street flooding near low points | Concentrated runoff from paved areas | Avoid driving through water; check garage thresholds |
| Many roofs damaged at once | Large hail swaths crossing uniform neighborhoods | Expect contractor backlogs; tarp promptly if anything is open |
Who to contact
- Permits and contractor licensing
- Pikes Peak Regional Building Department
- Electric, gas and water
- Colorado Springs Utilities for most addresses inside the city; confirm on your bill
- Neighborhood rules
- Your HOA or metropolitan district for fences, roofing color and common areas
- Drainage concerns on public channels
- City of Colorado Springs stormwater staff
Common questions
My house is only a few years old. Can hail really damage it?
Yes. Newer roofs and vinyl siding are not immune to large hail, and standard shingles on many newer homes are not impact-rated. A ground-level walk-around after a storm tells you whether an inspection is worth scheduling.
Who fixes a damaged fence on the subdivision boundary?
Fences along the edge of a subdivision are sometimes owned by the HOA or metropolitan district rather than the homeowner. Check your plat or ask the association before filing a claim for it.
General information for Colorado Springs, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.