Posted in Colorado Nature April 09, 2019 by

Most People Don’t Know About Colorado’s Deadly Tornado Alley

Springtime means warmer weather, cherry blossoms, and new beginnings… but with all of this happiness comes a darker side: severe weather season. While this last winter brought a record amount of avalanches, springtime may bring ample tornadoes, especially in Colorado’s own section of Tornado Alley.

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You may have heard the term Tornado Alley before, but did you know that part of it is right here in Colorado?
Jason Persoff Stormdoctor / Getty Images
While not nearly as prominent as it is in other states, eastern sections of Colorado are considered to be part of this particularly tornado-ridden area of the country.

Wikimedia Commons / FEMA
Ranked as the 10th most active state for tornadoes, Colorado sees an average 52 each year, with Weld County having the most (269) since 1950.
NZP Chasers / Getty Images
Adams County comes in second, with 167 recorded tornadoes since 1950.
According to reported storm data, Colorado has experienced approximately 2,129 tornadoes since 1950.
Jason Persoff Stormdoctor / Getty Images
While not nearly as active as states like Texas and Oklahoma, Colorado has seen its fair share of tornado-related tragedies, including 289 injuries and five deaths.
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As you may remember, a category F-3 storm hit the small town of Holly in 2007, while another ravished Windsor just one year later.
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The photo above shows a home that had its entire second floor ripped off by the Windsor tornado in May of 2008. Fortunately, nobody was in the home at the time.
Tornado season typically kicks off in May, but occasionally begins much earlier in spring. In fact, Colorado has already seen its first tornado of 2019
Flickr/Niccolò Ubalducci
The tornado touched down in Weld County on March 22, 2019. This is the first time Colorado has seen a March tornado since 2007.
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June tends to be the most active tornado month, but the wild weather typically subsides in October.
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If you live in eastern Colorado, you should know a thing or two about what to do if you are caught in such a storm.
john finney photography / Getty Images
The CDC’s tornado safety guide recommends making a plan and keeping a basic emergency kit on hand. Stay aware and updated about weather conditions, especially during thunderstorms. Make sure you know how to recognize the best places to take shelter, both indoors and out. No matter where you take cover, always protect your head.

To learn more about Colorado’s severe weather history, click on A Terrifying, Deadly Storm Struck Colorado In 1916… And No One Saw It Coming.