DENVER — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Boulder issued Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for parts of metro Denver Thursday night.
The first warning issued was for an area south of Denver International Airport that included Watkins and Foxfield.
The forecast there called for wind up to 50 miles per hour and possible half-dollar-sized hail. It expired at 9:30 p.m.
The second warning included Denver International Airport (DIA) and stretched to Brighton and Henderson.
VIDEO ABOVE: Breaking down the science of hail
The forecast for that area called for wind up to 60 miles per hour and possible half-dollar-sized hail. It expired at 9:45 p.m.
A third Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for an area east of the metro area that included Strasburg, Bennett and Watkins that expired at 10:15 p.m. It called for 60 mile per hour winds and possible nickel-sized hail.
A Special Weather Statement was issued for Aurora, Centennial and Castle Rock advising residents of 30-mile-per-hour wind and nickel-sized hail. People living in the affected area were advised to seek shelter in a sturdy structure. The Special Weather Statement expired at 9 p.m.
A second Special Weather Statement was issued for an area including DIA, Brighton and Fort Lupton that warned residents of 50 mile per hour wind and possible half inch-sized hail. It expired at 10:15 p.m.
NWS said Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) cameras showed accumulating hail on Interstate 225 just east of Interstate 25 by the Cherry Creek Reservoir.
What is Severe Weather?
According to the National Weather Service, there are five specific types of weather that can qualify as "severe." They are tornadoes, floods, lightning, hail and wind.
A thunderstorm is considered severe when winds reach at least 58 mph and/or contains hail at least 1" in diameter. When these conditions are met, the NWS will issue a severe thunderstorm warning.
Lightning and heavy rain are not included, but often accompany severe thunderstorms.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Colorado Climate