A fast-moving storm blew through Denver City around 2:30 on Wednesday afternoon leaving a path of destruction in its wake.
The storm produced marble to golf ball size hail leaving damage to numerous vehicles throughout town as well as certain roof damage to most of the homes in Denver City.
In addition to the car damage, reports also came in from broken skylights and windows, including the stain glass windows on the west side of the Methodist church. Most of the broken skylights were in an area west of town, although the window damage was not limited to the outskirts of town and was widespread throughout the city limits.
Along with the hail came a torrential downpour that produced 1.2 inches of rain in a short one hour period. Rain continued throughout most of the night with the official report of 1.9 inches reported to the National Weather Service in Lubbock, although other parts of the community received over two inches of the welcome moisture.
It was the first significant measurable amount of moisture since January 15-16 when the city received .56 and .67 respectively. A total of 2.14 inches was measured for the month of January and another .54 for the month of February. A few sprinkles were noted at the end of March.
Insurance agents throughout the community had their phones ringing off the hook by early evening on Wednesday as residents started the process of filing claims for both their vehicles and homes. This will be followed by a horde of adjusters and repair people coming to town to access the damage in a process that could exceed six months.
The forecast called for a chance of rain the rest of the week with the biggest possibility returning on Monday when a 40 percent of moisture returns to the area.
