On a quiet Sunday afternoon, the serene plains of eastern Colorado were shattered by the roar of nature’s fury. A large and menacing tornado, its dark funnel twisting violently against the sky, was captured crossing Interstate 70 near Bennett, a small town east of Denver. The dramatic moment, recorded by a Colorado Department of Transportation traffic camera, showed the twister’s raw power as it tore across the landscape, kicking up debris and threatening everything in its path. For over a minute, the camera held steady, documenting a force that forecasters warned could cause “significant damage” to homes, infrastructure, and lives.
The tornado near Bennett was one of at least six reported across eastern Colorado that day, as severe thunderstorms unleashed chaos across the region. The National Weather Service in Boulder confirmed multiple sightings, with storms spawning twisters that touched down in rural areas and near small communities. By 2:30 p.m., two tornadoes had been reported near Arapahoe Park, about 25 miles southeast of Denver, while three separate reports emerged from the Bennett area, roughly 32 miles east of the city. One particularly dangerous tornado was confirmed on the ground at 1:50 p.m., approximately nine miles north of Strasburg. Moving northeast at 20 miles per hour, it prompted urgent warnings for central Adams County, where residents were urged to seek shelter immediately. The warning was lifted by 2:15 p.m., but the threat was far from over.
Meteorologists are now working to unravel the day’s chaotic events, determining whether the multiple reports reflect distinct tornadoes or repeated sightings of the same storms. The storms’ paths took them toward communities like Wiggins, Hoyt, Fort Morgan, and Brush, where residents braced for potential impacts. In addition to the tornadoes, the storms brought large hail, with stones ranging from dime-sized to as large as ping pong balls pelting the region. The largest confirmed hailstone, measuring 1.5 inches in diameter, fell near the intersection of East Smoky Hill Road and South Powhaton Road in Aurora, causing concern for property damage.
Emergency officials across Adams and Arapahoe counties quickly mobilized to assess the situation. Reports of structural damage began to surface, with some homes in the Bennett area sustaining significant harm. The exact extent of the destruction remains under investigation, but early accounts suggest that the storms disrupted lives and left communities on edge. Local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, as the threat of additional severe weather could persist into the evening hours. Cleanup efforts are already underway, with first responders and utility crews working to restore safety and normalcy.
The storms serve as a stark reminder of Colorado’s vulnerability to severe weather, particularly in the spring and early summer. The state, while not as notorious as the Great Plains for tornadoes, sees dozens each year, often in its eastern plains. Sunday’s events underscore the importance of preparedness, as rapidly changing conditions can turn a peaceful day into one of peril. As the region recovers, officials are calling on residents to stay informed, monitor weather updates, and take precautions to protect themselves and their property. For now, eastern Colorado holds its breath, hoping the worst has passed but ready to face whatever comes next.
