Simla cleans up in aftermath of tornadoes

Friday was a day of relief and hard work for people recovering from Thursday’s tornado in the Elbert County town of Simla.

Six homeowners reported damage, most of it to sheds, barns and other outbuildings. Many neighbors are thankful that the series of as many as five twisters didn’t cause more serious damage.

Two examples of a tornado’s unpredictability were visible at the home of Jane Richardson, who celebrates her 77th birthday next month.

The home, in which five generations of the family have lived since 1940, was virtually untouched by the storm while surrounded by debris. Nearby, a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 emerged practically unscratched from the collapsed shed around it.

The Richardson property was littered with crumpled tin, broken lumber, fallen trees and other debris. An overturned trailer was nearby.

Rodney Richardson, one of Jane’s six sons, was in Colorado Springs when the storm hit. He rushed back to check on her.

“I wasn’t worried about her,” she said. “She’s a tough lady. Neighbors were here within 15 minutes, and within 45 minutes I knew she was okay. That’s what is important.”

Fred Osborne, 49, was in the middle of the tornado outbreak, standing on a hill overlooking the town as funnel clouds began forming.

“I saw the first tornado hop the school and move north,” he said. “Then I saw a second form. I tried to drive away from it and a third one appeared in front of me. I looked at my dogs and my dogs looked at me.”

Osborne moved to Simla last month from Woodland Park. He used his smartphone to send photos and video of the twisters to KRDO NewsChannel 13.

“I’m originally from Florida,” he said. “I’ve had experience with hurricanes but not with a lot of tornadoes at the same time, in the same place.”

A rare sight that Simla residents hope they’re not that close to, ever again.