A tornado briefly touched down in northeastern Colorado on Tuesday afternoon, damaging a building near New Raymer in Weld County, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The tornado was confirmed by NWS around 4:57 p.m. local time, striking approximately five miles south of New Raymer, near the Morgan County line. While no injuries were reported, officials stated the twister caused visible structural damage to a barn in the area.
The tornado was part of a strong storm system that moved through northern and eastern Colorado on Tuesday, bringing quarter-sized hail and the potential for further severe weather in the days ahead.
Eyewitness Reports and Initial Impact
Residents in the affected area reported a funnel cloud forming in the sky before touching down in an open field. Local emergency services responded quickly to assess damage, with crews confirming the destruction of the barn but no injuries or additional property loss.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for parts of Weld and Morgan counties shortly before the storm touched down. The brief tornado lasted only a few minutes but was powerful enough to rip apart the outbuilding.
“It came fast—out of nowhere. I saw the funnel from the porch and ran to the basement,” said a local resident who witnessed the event. “It didn’t last long, but the wind was deafening.”
The Weld County Office of Emergency Management advised residents to stay indoors and monitor weather updates throughout the evening.
Storm Activity in the Region
The severe weather event in Weld County is part of a broader pattern of spring storms affecting Colorado. On Tuesday, thunderstorms developed across the eastern plains, including hailstorms in New Raymer, and increased tornado risks throughout the region.
Forecasters at the National Weather Service warned that similar storms could develop through Wednesday across eastern Colorado, including the Denver metro area. The agency highlighted the potential for damaging winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes.
“This time of year, we typically see increased tornado activity in northeastern Colorado,” said a spokesperson for the NWS Boulder office. “Warm temperatures mixing with a cold front created the perfect conditions for a brief but intense tornado.”
May’s Tornado Trend
Tuesday’s tornado follows a series of destructive twisters that hit the state earlier this month. On May 19, EF-2 tornadoes struck communities near Bennett and Elizabeth, damaging several homes and tearing through a solar farm. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported in any of these recent events.
Colorado ranks among the top states in the U.S. for tornado frequency during the spring and early summer months, especially in areas east of the Rockies. According to the National Weather Service, an average of 40 to 60 tornadoes occur in the state each year.
Tuesday’s incident was one of the first reported tornadoes in Colorado this week, though meteorologists expect increased storm activity in the days ahead.
Emergency Alerts and Safety Advice
The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management urged residents to sign up for emergency alerts and follow preparedness tips during tornado season. “The best defense is early warning and a plan,” the agency stated.
Officials recommend seeking shelter in a basement or interior room without windows during a tornado warning. In the absence of a basement, residents should crouch under sturdy furniture or use a mattress to protect themselves from flying debris.
For real-time alerts and tornado safety tips, visit the Colorado Division of Homeland Security or the National Weather Service Severe Weather Center.
Weather Outlook for the Week
The NWS has issued a hazardous weather outlook for eastern Colorado for the remainder of the week. Storms with hail, lightning, and strong winds are expected to continue through Thursday, with Friday offering a brief break before another system moves in over the weekend.
As of Wednesday morning, no additional tornado warnings had been issued, but meteorologists urged continued vigilance.