Denver, Colorado – Over 2.4 million people across eastern Colorado, western Nebraska, southern Wyoming, and northwest Kansas face a severe thunderstorm threat through 9 p.m. tonight, as damaging storms move across the region. Residents in Denver, Fort Collins, Sidney, Cheyenne, and Colorado Springs should prepare for scattered hail up to two inches in diameter, damaging wind gusts near 75 mph, and frequent lightning strikes.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 492 remains in effect for much of the I-25 and I-76 corridors, covering key counties such as Adams, Weld, El Paso, and Cheyenne. The alert also includes school districts, hospitals, and nearly 900 schools, putting travel and infrastructure at risk throughout the evening.
Heavy rain and large hail may quickly flood roadways—especially along U.S. Highway 85, I-70, and rural routes east of Denver and north of Colorado Springs. Drivers are urged to delay travel, keep cell phones charged, and seek sturdy shelter if warnings are issued. Power outages are possible due to downed trees and power lines.
Tonight’s storms mark one of the largest severe weather events this summer for Colorado’s Front Range and High Plains, recalling similar outbreaks in July 2021. Emergency managers advise monitoring local alerts and remaining weather-aware, as additional warnings could follow before storms weaken overnight.
