Tornadoes swept across parts of Colorado and destroyed or damaged several homes, while powerful storms brought flooding and marble-size hail to some areas. There were no reports of any one being hurt.
At least three homes were destroyed Thursday evening in the town of Berthoud, about 40 miles north of Denver, after a tornado touched down near the 2500 block of Blue Mountain Avenue, according to Larimer County officials.
reports the Associated Press. The Boulder County Sheriff's Office confirmed Friday morning that one home was damaged in the county.
No injuries have been reported so far. The Denver Post reported that a Red Cross evacuation shelter has been opened at the Berthoud Community Center.
Pictures from Tornado close to Simla pic.twitter.com/iKnRkjCemH
Pictures of the damage near Simla. pic.twitter.com/sguKqEgFZE
At least two tornadoes touched down Thursday afternoon near Simla, about 60 miles southeast of Denver. Elbert County officials said at least five homes were damaged in the area.
No injuries were reported from that string of storms, either. As the night progressed, the National Weather Service issued more tornado and severe storm warnings for Elbert County.
Happening Now: Incredible #Lightning over Denver, CO. #COWX pic.twitter.com/hMIS1oDFLJ
Forecasters had warned that the Front Range and the Eastern Plains could experience severe weather Thursday.
In the metro Denver area, those warnings translated into storms that pummeled city streets with large hail and drenching rain. KUSA-TV reported the hail was knee deep around East Alameda Avenue and South Federal Boulevard.
The National Weather Service says we can expect more heavy rain along the Front Range and eastern counties Friday. And a flash flood watch is in effect.
