Wild weather was in the forecast for 2014

You know what they say about the weather in southern Colorado, “wait five minutes and it will change.”

That was true during 2014.

The weather in Colorado often shows its wild side and this past year was no exception. It started with a bang as January featured snow and cold.

Colorado Springs picked up more than a foot of snow and Pueblo nearly 8 inches.

Daniel Hyatt saw a scary sight while he was driving one January day.

He said, “I literally saw a semi go sideways. I’m not sure how he recovered – I thought he was going to roll.”

Spring and summer saw some very active weather. Some of the most dramatic video was from Trinidad, where Wyatt Schrepfer found himself caught up in a strong EF-1 tornado.

“The hood of the tractor blew up. When I stood up to pull it back down my hat flew off,” he said.

Even the high country wasn’t spared. Social media was buzzing with images of a June tornado in Park County.

Unfortunately, a mobile home park in Lake George suffered a direct hit, leaving people to salvage what they could.

“We found her iPad, my passport and some checks,” said Casey Sciacca.

Some of the thunderstorms produced heavy rain, which caused flooding on the Arkansas River in La Junta and in Rocky Ford.

Mike Shima said, “It’s nice to get the rain, but it would be nice if it was spread out a little – not all at one time.”

But some parts of the state suffered drought, especially in the southeast.

“Two inches of moisture is all we’ve had on the lower part (of the ranch),” said Reeves Brown from the 3-R Ranch.

The drought led to wildfires in Fremont and Huerfano counties in June and July, causing some tense moments.

Roger Harvey was one of the nervous homeowners who lived near the fire. He said, “the most important thing is that we and our neighbors all end up safe.”

So what does 2015 hold for southern Colorado?

Most likely it will be more of the same.