Springtime means warmer weather, cherry blossoms, and new beginnings… but with all of this happiness comes a darker side: severe weather season. While this last winter brought a record amount of avalanches, springtime may bring ample tornadoes, especially in Colorado’s own section of Tornado Alley.
You may have heard the term Tornado Alley before, but did you know that part of it is right here in Colorado?
While not nearly as prominent as it is in other states, eastern sections of Colorado are considered to be part of this particularly tornado-ridden area of the country.
While not nearly as active as states like Texas and Oklahoma, Colorado has seen its fair share of tornado-related tragedies, including 289 injuries and five deaths.
The photo above shows a home that had its entire second floor ripped off by the Windsor tornado in May of 2008. Fortunately, nobody was in the home at the time.
Tornado season typically kicks off in May, but occasionally begins much earlier in spring. In fact, Colorado has already seen its first tornado of 2019
The CDC’s tornado safety guide recommends making a plan and keeping a basic emergency kit on hand. Stay aware and updated about weather conditions, especially during thunderstorms. Make sure you know how to recognize the best places to take shelter, both indoors and out. No matter where you take cover, always protect your head.