(TELLER COUNTY, Colo.) — The Teller County Office of Emergency Management, in collaboration with the National Weather Service (NWS), is reminding residents and visitors of all things tornado before peak season finishes.
According to the National Weather Service, Teller County’s most recent tornado was on Friday, Aug. 9. Preliminary data rated the tornado an EF-1, which caused no injuries or deaths but damaged one home and about 20 acres.
The tornado happened four miles northeast of Cripple Creek, off of Teller County Road 61, near West Beaver Creek.
While tornadoes are rare in mountainous regions, the possibility still exists, especially under specific atmospheric conditions. The highest tornado recorded in the region was 12,156 feet in the Rockwell Pass in July 2004.
The Teller County Office of Emergency Management reminds individuals that it is crucial to stay vigilant during tornado season.
Peak tornado season in Colorado spans from May through August, the Centennial state experiences an average of 53 tornadoes annually, with most along and east of Interstate 25 (I-25).
Individuals should know that a Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for a tornado formation, individuals should stay alert and be prepared to take action. A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by a weather radar. Immediate action is required to protect life and property.
Unlike the movie Twisters, if you are caught in a tornado you should seek shelter in strong buildings, preferably on the lowest floor, not in a vehicle or under an overpass.
If you are ever caught in a tornado, the Teller County Office recommends:
Seek Shelter Indoors
Move to the center of a sturdy building, preferably to the lowest floor. Basements, safe rooms, or storm shelters are the best options.
Put as many walls between you and the outside
Interior rooms without windows such as closets or bathrooms, offer the best protection
Avoid Mobile and Manufactured Homes
These structures are not safe during a tornado. If you live in one, evacuate to a nearby building.
If caught outdoors:
Lie down in a low-lying area like a ditch and cover your head.
Avoid sheltering under highway overpasses as they can be deadly.
