Colorado's Wild Spring Affecting Local Roads, Drivers

Tornados, Rain, & Hail Pelt the Front Range 

Thursday evening marked another day of severe weather along Colorado's Front Range, with Friday forecasts calling for more of the same. 

Tornadoes touched town in at least two separate parts of the state late Thursday, damaging at least 25 homes. Several houses near the towns of Mead and Simla were damaged severely. No immediate injuries had been reported.

The first tornado was spotted just after 5:15 p.m. near Simla. The second appeared just after 7 p.m. east of Lyons moving approximately 15 mph to the West, according to the National Weather Service. 

Roads in the area were also adversely affected, as trees were uprooted and hail fell extensively. 

Meanwhile Friday, local forecasters are projecting more rain and precipitation, which has resulted in the National Weather service issuing a flash flood watch in several Metro Area and Front Range counties, including Denver, Jefferson, and Larimer through 10 p.m. Friday evening.

The Friday storms are capable of producing up to 1-2 inches of rain in one hour, which could cause flooding problems due to over-saturated soils and overflowing rivers, streams, and reservoirs. 

Drivers should be cautious of standing or running water, as many vehicles can be swept away by as little as 12 inches of water. If driving through water is the only option, Drivers should drive slowly and attempt to estimate the depth of the pool or current. An emergency kit (including food, water, and flashlights) should be taken when driving while a flash flood watch is in place.

The hazardous weather in Denver area was also partially responsible for generating a large sinkhole in Sheridan, which swallowed a police SUV and injured an officer. The sinkhole has resulted in Oxford Avenue being closed between Santa Fe Drive and Clay Street. 

A police news release stated "As the sergeant entered the intersection, the road gave way due to a massive sinkhole," police said in a news release. "The road collapsed around the police car and the car ended up in a hole." The officer sustained minor injuries. 

Here are some additional tips provided by ready.gov:

Tips from ready.gov

Before:

• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.
• Consider installing "check valves" to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
• If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
• More:
• What to do before a flood.

During:

• Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:
  • Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
  • Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
• Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.
• If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:
  • Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
  • Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.
  • Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.

If you are injured in a car accident due to someone else's negligence, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Contact The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C. today at (303) 279-0221 or at www.paysingerlaw.com for a free consultation. We Help Injured People - it's all we do!

Sources: National Weather Service Denver, Tornadoes Hit Berthoud, Simla, Homes Damaged