Strong to severe storms expected around Southern Colorado – 8/21/19

UPDATE(4:21PM): Active Severe Thunderstorm Warning in central Fremont County till 4:45pm. This storm is moving NE at approximately 15mph. This storm is producing 1″ diameter hail and 60mph wind gusts. Arrival of the storm expected in the Canon City area around 5pm.

UPDATE(3:50PM): Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been canceled for SW El Paso County. The thunderstorm has weakened significantly over the last 20 minutes. Scattered thunderstorms are still likely to develop this evening in El Paso/Pueblo County.

UPDATE(3:30PM): Active Severe Thunderstorm Warning in SW El Paso County till 4pm. This storm is producing 1.25″ diameter hail and up to 50 mph wind gusts. Heavy rain is also occurring in this storm so localized flooding is also possible. This storm is moving SE at 10-15mph, the stretch of I-25 from Security to Pueblo will be directly impacted. The storms this evening are rapidly intensifying and weakening so stay tuned to the latest updates.

UPDATE (11:22AM): High-resolution model runs are in good agreement on thunderstorms developing over the higher elevations of Teller County at 2 p.m. before it moves across the Colorado Springs area. The strong to severe thunderstorms will track southeastward, with estimated arrival time on the I-25 corridor in El Paso County between 3-4pm.

WATCH for updates:

The National Weather Service has also increased the risk for severe thunderstorms this evening. Now with the potential for 2″ diameter hail, 70mph wind gusts, and even an isolated tornado. Heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding will also be possible tonight. Make sure to stay tuned to the weather this afternoon/evening.

TODAY: Our day starts on a quiet note before showers and storms develop this afternoon and evening. A storm is possible as early as 12pm, but our best chance for widespread storm development will be between 2-3pm. Some will likely become severe as they cross I-25 and move east. Large hail and damaging winds would be the primary threats, with a secondary threat of a Plains tornado. Frequent lightning will also be a concern. Highs today will be much cooler and will only warm to the 80s and low 90s. Our mountain cities will feel some 70s again.

TONIGHT: Storms will clear the eastern plains between 9 and midnight tonight. Following that will be slow clearing and cool overnight lows in the 50s. Mountain areas will drop to the 40s.

EXTENDED: We will still see storm chances through Friday; although over the next couple of days, the coverage will become far less. Just a mountain shower or storm is possible on Saturday. Otherwise, we will be mainly hot and dry through the weekend and into Monday.