Divide, CO – A confirmed EF-1 tornado touched down Tuesday afternoon in Teller County, Colorado, bringing winds up to 106 miles per hour. The tornado struck around 12:41 p.m., about two miles north-northeast of Divide, causing damage and uprooting trees across a heavily wooded area.
Details of the Tornado Event
According to the US National Weather Service in Pueblo, the tornado hit the area with winds in the range typical for an EF-1 tornado, which is capable of producing winds between 86 and 110 mph. This kind of tornado can cause moderate damage such as broken tree branches, damaged roofs, and overturned mobile homes. Preliminary ground images show the storm uprooted several trees, but as of Wednesday morning, no injuries or major structural damage have been reported.
Ongoing Investigation and Drone Footage
Officials are still analyzing drone footage to fully assess the tornado’s path and the extent of the damage. It is yet to be confirmed whether the tornado maintained a consistent ground path or exhibited skipping behavior, with the Weather Service waiting for additional data before making that determination.
Tornado Category and Safety
EF-1 tornadoes typically cause moderate damage, and the wind gusts recorded during this storm place it near the top of the EF-1 category. While the tornado caused some destruction in wooded areas, no significant structural damage or injuries have been reported, which is a positive outcome considering the wind speeds involved.
Ongoing Weather Monitoring
Colorado experiences some of its most active severe weather in June, and the National Weather Service continues to monitor the central Rockies for further developments. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay cautious as officials continue to assess the aftermath of this tornado. Updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available.
