Thunderstorm Wind — Moffat, Colorado

2024-07-27 · near Massadona, Moffat, Colorado

Event narrative

Thunderstorms tracked across Rio Blanco and Routt counties on the afternoon of the 27th, producing strong to severe wind gusts as they did so. Recorded wind gusts ranged from 50 mph to 60 mph, with the peak gust being recorded at the PIRC2 Pinto mesonet site, 18 miles southeast of Massadona. Gusts into the 50s were recorded at KEEO ASOS at Meeker Airport and KHDN AWOS at Yampa Valley Airport in Hayden. No reports of damages or injuries were received.

Wider weather episode

In the middle of a monsoonal surge, plenty of deep moisture was available to fuel showers and thunderstorms on the afternoon of the 27th. In addition, modest instability and enhanced lift and shear from an upper level jet were also in place, leading to an increased chance of stronger storms forming. The Storm Prediction Center place the region under a marginal risk for severe weather, highlight severe wind and hail threats. The hail did not materialize, but the winds did.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (40.0358, -108.3791)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1206720. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.