Weld County tornado destroyed two homes, triggered winds of 99 mph – The Denver Post
Seven properties were severely damaged, including two houses destroyed, by a spill tornado that tore a 6-mile path through County Weld on Monday, triggering winds of up to 99 mph.
The two destroyed homes, with damage exceeding more than 50%, were valued at $ 429,176, said Jennifer Finch, a county spokesperson. Three homes sustained damage totaling $ 101,336 and two businesses, a feedlot and a dairy farm, were also damaged.
“The feedlot suffered the loss of two buildings, one to a fire caused by a downed power line and the other to the tornado,” said Finch. “The dairy was hit, but damage to roofs and some outside buildings was limited. “
The county emergency management office works with businesses to obtain damage cost estimates for properties. No one was hurt.
There was, however, a loss of dairy cattle, said Terry Fankhauser, executive vice president of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association.
“There were definitely losses and costs, it sure messed things up,” Fankhauser said.
The National Weather Service classified the storm as EF1, with maximum sustained winds of 99 mph.
The Boulder Weather Service reported a funnel cloud around 5:24 p.m. Monday north of Firestone. The tornado remained on the ground for about half an hour, heading northwest toward Platteville.
“We came to the center of the house, stretched out on the floor and hoped for the best,” Platteville resident Gerald Rusch. said to the daily camera. “It didn’t take home. I expected the roof to disappear.
The rapidly developing violent storm occurred when meteorologists were not particularly expecting such a severe storm. On a relatively clear day, the cell was extremely secluded, making it highly visible even from the Denver subway. The tornado was probably extending 10,000 feet in the sky, which would make it visible from 70 miles away.
@ ChrisCBS4 here is a view of Flagstaff Mtn. First sight of the tornado! Visit of California. pic.twitter.com/m09YUjiNXk
– Tahoetrekker (@ Tahoetrekker1) June 8, 2021
The Weld County Emergency Management Office reported that the tornado traveled between Colorado 66 and Weld County Highway 42, between Weld County Highways 17 and 13.
The nearest town was Fort Lupton, which suffered no damage as the tornado swept past the outskirts of town.
“No damage to Fort Lupton; we sounded the sirens and monitored the situation, ”said Fort Lupton Fire Chief Phil Tiffany. “We had our monthly mermaid test at noon and we weren’t expecting any problems. At around 5 p.m. we were in a meeting and we were told something could happen, and eight minutes later we started hearing that there might be a tornado on the ground.
The Fort Lupton Fire Department had teams ready to respond to the situation.