Storms Bring Tornadoes, Hail to Southern Colorado
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Updated: 10:20 AM Aug 19, 2009
Storms Bring Tornadoes, Hail to Southern Colorado
Everything from tornadoes to large hail were reported on a stormy Tuesday in Southern Colorado.
Posted: 2:39 PM Aug 18, 2009
Reporter: Branden Borremans, Lauri Martin
Email Address: weather@kktv.com
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A tornado touched down in eastern Park and Teller counties Tuesday afternoon, causing damage near 11 Mile Reservoir and Lake George.

A park ranger at 11 Mile Reservoir reported a tornado just east of the park at 1:16pm. The Park County Undersheriff says there are no injuries to report.

11 News visited Vivian Linville's weekend home. The tornado ripped through her three sheds and her garage. All her belongings were thrown across her property. "I'm so bewildered about what happened," says Linville.

The tornado went on to do more damage near Lake George, where several trees were uprooted in the 11 Mile Subdivision. "It was like a train," says Raymond Strother about the sound of the tornado. "Look at the trees. The tornado ripped them up and broke them in half like a toothpick." The tornado also reportedly threw a trailer uphil and levelled a concession stand, tossing its roof fifty feet.

11 News viewers saw the tornado touch down from their homes in Florissant Heights area in Florissant and the Highland Lakes area in Divide. "It was just a monster. It was a huge funnel cloud. You could see it touch the ground. It was unbelievable," says Dave Cruz. He captured the tornado on home video.

This wasn't the only tornado spotted in Southern Colorado on Tuesday. There were multiple reports of funnel clouds southeast of Walsenburg. A spotter also reported a tornado 11 miles southeast of Walsenburg with debris visible.

Other areas were peppered with penny to quarter-size hail as storms raced across the I-25 corridor. Even ping pong ball -size hail was reported seven miles south of Pueblo.

There are no estimates of damages or reports of injures.


Latest Comments

Posted by: CG Location: Park and Teller Counties on Sep 1, 2009 at 01:51 PM

Would have to respectfully disagree with one comment about the Lake George funnel/tornado. Evidence exists all over that ground level vortices were present. I have footage of large pine trees downed facing opposite directions and more than foot thick split pine trees facing different ways along the funnel path in a north easterly path, including flattened structures etc., as well. Just like the 11 Mile park tornado, where I have footage of ground vortices in real time. Good comments though
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: George Location: Monument on Aug 22, 2009 at 09:02 PM

I was parked at the 11 Mile Marina and watched the tornado form. It was scary and cool. Saw the damage and have pics. Loaned the ranger my tow rope to pull a tree out of the road. It was AWESOME!
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: YANG Location: TIGERS HOUSE on Aug 19, 2009 at 12:11 PM

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANKS RALPH--WHO CARES!!!
[ Report Abuse ]
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