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Severe Weather in the Central Plains; Fire Concerns in the Southern High Plains and Southwest; Late-Season Mountain Snow

Severe storms, including large hail, wind, and perhaps a couple of tornadoes, are possible in the central Plains. Dry, windy conditions and lightning from dry thunderstorms may produce hazardous fire conditions in the Southwest and southern High Plains. Late-season snow is expected in the Northwest and the Great Basin. Heat is spreading across the eastern U.S.. Read More >

Overview

4 Tornadoes occurred on May 7th, 2016 with one over southern Weld county and 3 across western Morgan county. The most significant tornado traveled from just south of I-76 over Weld county across Empire Reservoir and then to the west of Orchard. Several campers were destroyed at Empire Reservoir along with two minor injuries. There was a few areas of EF2 damage but most was in the EF1 category. The path length was just over 8 miles with a maximum width of 1620 yards (3/4 Mile).

Image

Location of May 7th Tornadoes

Tornadoes:

 

The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale classifies tornadoes into the following categories:

EF0
Weak

65-85 mph
EF1
Moderate
86-110 mph
EF2
Significant
111-135 mph
EF3
Severe
136-165 mph
EF4
Extreme
166-200 mph
EF5
Catastrophic
200+ mph
ef-scale

Photos & Video:

 

 

Radar:

 

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