Stormy start to weekend in Colorado Springs

In less than an hour, Friday’s weather in Colorado Springs changed from warm and sunny to dark and stormy.

Heavy rain and lightning moved in during the evening rush hour, causing isolated flash flooding and traffic backups.

The storm appeared to have the greatest impact on the north side of town, between the Air Force Academy and Garden of the Gods.

Much of that runoff flowed into Dry Creek, which overflowed its banks but caused no serious damage.

“I’ve lived here four years and I’ve never seen it this full,” said Stephany Dyess, a resident of the area. “Not even when we got all that rain in the fall of 2013 and last spring. I’m glad I live on the west side of the creek where the ground is higher.”

The same runoff left piles of gravel and other debris along the north stretch of Woodmen Road near the headwaters of Dry Creek.

Police responded to a reported flash flood at the intersection of Academy Boulevard and Montebello Drive West that snarled traffic and stalled a family’s van.

“It happens here every time there’s a heavy rain,” said Colorado Springs police officer Conrad Ingebretson. “It floods the rock landscaping onto the street and makes a mess.”

A tow truck arrived to help the family in the van, and the high water drained off as quickly as it came.

More storms are possible Saturday.