Denver, CO – A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect across northeast Colorado this afternoon, with large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes possible, according to the National Weather Service.
According to the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, the watch remains active through 8 p.m. MDT Tuesday and includes the cities of Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Sterling, and surrounding counties such as Adams, Arapahoe, El Paso, Weld, Logan, and Douglas.
Forecasters warn that scattered thunderstorms are expected to form along the Front Range and spread east into the plains, where conditions are favorable for severe weather. Hail up to tennis-ball size (2.5 inches), wind gusts reaching 70 mph, and a couple of possible tornadoes could impact more than 3 million residents across the region.
Areas at risk stretch roughly 40 miles east and west of a line from 60 miles north-northwest of Akron to 30 miles southeast of Colorado Springs. The zone includes major interstates such as I-25 and I-70, increasing the threat for commuters and travelers this evening.
Emergency officials are urging residents to stay alert and monitor local updates. The NWS emphasized that a severe thunderstorm watch indicates the potential for dangerous weather, and conditions could intensify rapidly.
Air travel may also be affected, with warnings for extreme turbulence and wind gusts of up to 60 knots near storm cells. Pilots should prepare for possible cumulonimbus cloud development with tops reaching 50,000 feet.
Residents are advised to seek shelter indoors at the first sign of severe weather and avoid unnecessary travel until the threat has passed.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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