Tornado Touches Down North of La Junta
While accumulating snow has ended for Colorado Springs and Pueblo, snow (heavy at times) will continue north and northeast of Colorado Springs. A strong north wind will also create areas of blowing and drifting snow along with reduced visibility in these areas A BLIZZARD WARNING remains in effect through tonight for Northern El Paso County northward to the Denver Metro Area. Travel is NOT advised in this area.
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Updated: 5:27 PM Sep 3, 2009
Tornado Touches Down North of La Junta
Witnesses say the tornado was on the ground for about 20 minutes in an area 15 miles northwest of Cheraw. Click Full Story to view more pictures.
Posted: 3:59 PM Sep 3, 2009
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11 News has learned a tornado touched down in southwest Colorado Thursday afternoon. Witnesses say the tornado was on the ground or about 20 minutes in an area nine miles northwest of Cheraw.

The National Weather Service says Cheraw, Swink and La Junta were affected. The Crowley County Sheriff's Office tells 11 News there are no reports of damage or injuries at this time. Otero County Sheriff's Office also reports no damage or injuries.

The pictures seen under the Photo tab above were sent to 11 News by Rick. The pictures were taken from Rick's home, about three miles northeast of Ordway. If you have pictures, e-mail them to News@kktv.com.

As a reminder, the safest place to be in the case of a tornado is a basement, under sturdy furniture. If no basement is available, go to the lowest floor in an interior hallway or a small interior room, such as a closet or a bathroom. Use blankets or pillows to cover and protect your body from flying debris. Always stay away from windows!

If you are outdoors, in a vehicle or in a mobile home, go to a nearby sturdy structure and get in a small interior room on the lowest floor possible, away from windows. If there is no sturdy structure available as a last resort, go to a culvert, ditch or a low spot and cover your head with your hands.


Latest Comments

Posted by: Grant Location: Tyler, TX on Sep 4, 2009 at 02:35 PM

"Landspout" is a term given to a non mesocyclone tornado. A landspout is offically considered a tornado and have done up to EF-3(F-3) Damage. Yes these photos are of a landspout. We had one in SE TX rated an EF-1 last week. http://www.jondavies.net/tornado_fcsting/nonsprcll_tors.htm Click on the link above for more info on "Landspouts."
Posted by: Evan Location: Denver on Sep 4, 2009 at 10:11 AM

FYI, this is actually not a tornado, but a landspout. There's actually a big difference. Damaging tornadoes come from severe supercell thunderstorms. Landspouts can do minor damage, but as in the photos shown here, they are often attached to very high-based showers -- and are a relatively common occurence in the eastern Colorado Plains actually during the summer months.
Posted by: Cathy Location: Ordway on Sep 3, 2009 at 04:27 PM

Actually I live in Rocky Ford and I was heading home from work. When I saw it in my rear view mirror I instantly got down but it looked awefully black when I saw it. Many cars were parked off the side either looking at it or waiting for it to calm down.
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