Tornado Facts & Tips
In the last decade, Colorado averaged around 60 tornados a year. However, this is quite variable from year to year. A record was reached in 1996, with a a total of 98 tornados reported. In 1998, 38 tornados were reported. Increasing population, improved communications, and more trained spotters have all resulted in more reported tornados each decade since the 1960s. Most of our tornados are weak, with wind speeds of less that 110 mph. But Colorado is occasionally visited by strong tornados. |
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Photo taken in Morgan County, Colorado by M. Lepper 7/21/2000. |
Six tornados in 1996 were comparable to the Limon tornado of 1990 in strength, with winds of 150 to 200 mph.
tornados have been reported 9 months of the year, and the peak season for tornados extends from mid May through mid August. Two thirds of Colorado's tornados develop in May and June.
In Colorado, the primary threat of tornado is east of the Continental Divide along the Front Range and foothill counties. On the eastern plains tornados occur every year, particularly during the spring and summer. Fortunately, the loss of life is rare and property damage is usually minimal. However, as the population grows in eastern counties our vulnerability for more damaging tornados grows.
The severity of a tornado is based on windspeed and the amount of property damage incurred. A major problem in responding to tornados is the short time they take to develop, their erratic movement and the tremendous forces they expend.
- Colorado is ranked nineth in the country for number of tornados.
- A tornado may be the most violent phenomenon found in nature. Winds can easily exceed 200 mph.
- Colorado residents can expect an average of forty tornados every year.
- The June 1990 Limon Tornado caused $12 million in damages.
- Most tornados occur between May and July. The major threat of tornado is in the afternoon or evening hours.
- More than 75% of tornados occur between noon and seven p.m. tornados usually move from southwest to northeast.
The National Weather Service offers training courses for volunteer severe weather/tornado spotters NOAA weather radio can provide supplemental warning to public systems. Individuals can purchase tone-activated radios at a nominal fee.
Click here for a history of tornados in the United States from the NOAA.
Tornado Safety Tips
- When a tornado watch is announced, it means conditions are present for a tornado.
- Keep a radio/TV tuned for further information, and gather emergency supplies.
- When a Tornado Warning is issued, it means a tornado has been sighted or is imminent. Take shelter immediately.
If you are at home:
- Go to your basement. If you have no basement, go to an interior hallway or small interior room on the the lowest floor.
- Avoid windows.
- Do not remain in a trailer or mobile home if a tornado is approaching. Take cover elsewhere.
If you are at work:
- Go to an interior hallway on the lowest floor, or a designated shelter.
- Avoid windows.
If you are at school:
- Follow instructions of authorities/teachers.
- Stay out of structures with wide free-span roofs like auditoriums and gyms.
If you are in a car or outside:
- Seek cover in a nearby building, or lie flat in a ditch or ravine.
Mitigation Tips for tornados
- Colorado communities, and in particular eastern plains communities, must prepare and educate residents for the possibility of tornados - especially in May, June, and July.
- Mobile home parks should require tie-downs and provide alternate shelter for residents.
- Communities can purchase warning systems and individuals can purchase inexpensive tone-activated radios.
- Construction restrictions should place an emphasis on designs that can withstand tornados and other high winds.