Colorado's Tornado Season Peaks in May and June: Stay Prepared!

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This post includes content written by AI.

While tornadoes can occur in Colorado from February through November, the peak tornado threat rapidly increases in May and extends through the summer months. On average, the state experiences 53 tornadoes per year, with a whopping 90% of those twisters touching down between May and August.

Colorado residents may recall the powerful EF-3 tornado that ripped through Windsor on May 22, 2008. The tornado carved a 39-mile path of destruction, resulting in 78 injuries, one fatality, and over $100 million in damage. This tornado was unusual not only for its location along the Front Range but also for its southeast-to-northwest movement and formation just before noon.

While 95% of Colorado tornadoes occur along and east of I-25, where heat and moisture are more abundant, the Windsor tornado demonstrates that strong tornadoes can threaten the Front Range under the right conditions. Statewide, tornadoes are most likely between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.

To stay safe, remember: Get In, Get Down, Cover Up. Seek shelter in a sturdy building, move to the lowest level or most interior room, like a basement or closet, and cover your head to protect from flying debris. Mobile homes offer little protection, so evacuate to a neighbor’s house or storm shelter if a tornado approaches. If caught outdoors, either stay buckled in your car while crouched below window level or lie in a ditch covering your head.

Stay weather-aware by monitoring local forecasts, NOAA weather radio, and official NWS watches and warnings. Peak tornado season has arrived in Colorado—make sure you and your family are prepared and ready to seek shelter if a twister strikes.