Hailstorm cleanup, recovery continue Friday, four days after storm hits Colorado Springs area

Neighborhoods in the zone affected by Monday’s hailstorm in the Colorado Springs area were buzzing with activity Friday, proof that much cleanup and recovery remained four days later.
From the Broadmoor community to Fountain, blue tarps covering damaged roofs, blankets covering vehicles and trash bags stuffed with storm debris were a common sight.

The owner of a one-man lawn care business said he has more business than he can handle.

“I’ve had to turn away customers,” he said. “I hate doing that, but the demand for help is so high and there aren’t enough businesses to meet it.”

Having a big yard is great — except when you have to clean it up after a major hailstorm.

“I have shredded leaves, branches and twigs 6 inches deep all over my yard,” a homeowner said. “I haven’t even scratched the surface of what needs to be done. I have more than a dozen trash bags full of debris.”

One storm victim smiled as she watched a new roof being placed on a neighbor’s home, and broken skylights replaced on the home of another neighbor.

“I’m watching how (the workers) are doing it,” she said. “Hopefully, it means they’ll be at my house soon.”

Many vehicles are covered with blankets, cardboard or other materials to prevent further damage or to prevent damage if and when hail falls again.

It’s been a tough week for many storm victims.

“I can’t count how many times I’ve cried,” a homeowner said.

Another homeowner avoided damage in two earlier hailstorms but has significant damage after Monday’s storm.

“Baseball-sized hail, you can’t do anything about that,” the homeowner said. “I hope we don’t see it again.”