The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Denver has issued an urgent Tornado Warning for southwestern Logan County and north-central Washington County in northeastern Colorado, effective until 5:45 p.m. MDT Friday. This warning follows reports from trained weather spotters who confirmed a tornado on the ground near the town of Merino, approximately 11 miles southwest of Sterling. The tornado is currently moving southeast at an estimated 20 miles per hour, posing a significant threat to life and property within its projected path.
Residents in the affected areas, including Merino, Peetz, rural locations south of Sterling, and agricultural regions spanning both Logan and Washington counties, are urged to take immediate safety precautions. The NWS emphasizes the importance of seeking shelter in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building without delay. Those living in mobile homes or vehicles should make every effort to relocate to a more secure structure to avoid the heightened risks posed by these less stable dwellings.
The tornado detected near Merino is part of a robust thunderstorm system that has been moving across northeastern Colorado throughout the afternoon. Meteorologists attribute the rapid formation of this tornado to atmospheric conditions characterized by high instability and significant wind shear. These factors have created an environment conducive to severe tornadic activity, raising concerns about ongoing and future impacts.
Radar data and spotter observations confirm that this tornado is actively on the ground, causing damage in its immediate vicinity. Debris lifted into the air is visible, underscoring the danger to anyone caught outside or in vulnerable structures. The storm has the potential to cause power outages and inflict damage on buildings, trees, and agricultural crops, adding to the severity of the situation for local residents and farmers alike.
To enhance safety, the NWS has issued clear recommendations. Residents should move to a basement or an interior room away from windows to reduce exposure to flying debris. It is advised to use pillows, blankets, or mattresses to shield the head and body from potential injuries caused by airborne objects. The public is cautioned against traveling unless absolutely necessary, as tornadoes can change direction quickly and cause near-zero visibility, increasing the risk of accidents and harm.
The National Weather Service continues to monitor the storm closely, providing updates as new information becomes available. The public is encouraged to stay informed via NOAA Weather Radio, local television broadcasts, and reliable weather applications to receive the latest warnings, extensions, or cancellations. Emergency services are on heightened alert, with first responders in the affected counties preparing for rapid deployment to conduct damage assessments, rescue missions, and disaster relief operations as needed.
This severe weather event highlights the critical importance of preparedness during tornado season. Residents should review their emergency plans, confirm the locations of safe shelters within their homes or communities, and maintain readily accessible emergency supplies. Awareness and swift action can make the difference in protecting lives during such hazardous conditions.
For ongoing updates and additional safety information, individuals are advised to visit the official National Weather Service Denver/Boulder website or follow their social media channels, which provide timely alerts and guidance throughout the storm’s duration. This proactive approach to severe weather safety remains essential in safeguarding communities across northeastern Colorado as the threat persists.
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The post Urgent Tornado Warning Issued for Northeastern Colorado: Safety Measures and Updates for Residents first appeared on Voxtrend News.
