EF1 tornado in Elbert County, Colorado

A well defined tornado touched down and produced some damage. Near U.S. Highway 24, tree branches 1 to 3 inches diameter were snapped. The tornado then strengthened to a magnitude EF1 tornado as it tracked south of the highway. Several hardwood trees were snapped near their trunks. A fuel tank was thrown and a barn damaged. In addition, a road sign was flattened at its base.

Severe thunderstorms broke out across Boulder, Denver, Elbert, Jefferson and Larimer Counties. Two large and long lived tornadoes developed in Larimer County near Berthoud and near Simla in Elbert County. The tornado that occurred along the Boulder and Larimer county line was rated an EF3 at it's highest damage point, with maximum winds estimated at 135 to 140 mph. The path length was 6 miles long with a width of one quarter mile at times. In Elbert County, 17 tornadoes touched down, with EF1 damage observed southwest and southeast of Simla. Four homes suffered severe damage; two were uninhabitable. In addition, two other homes suffered moderate damage with slight damage reported to eight other residences. Large hail up to baseball size occurred in Elbert County, with hail up to tennis ball size observed in Boulder County. The hail damaged cars and homes; breaking windows and windshields.