Las Animas, CO – The National Weather Service has confirmed that a brief tornado touched down northeast of Las Animas late last month, following a damage survey conducted after severe weather moved through southeastern Colorado.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, the tornado developed at approximately 6:52 p.m. MDT on Friday, June 26, 2026, northeast of Las Animas in Bent County.
Survey results determined the tornado remained on the ground for about one minute, dissipating around 6:53 p.m. MDT after traveling across open grazing land northeast of where it formed.
The preliminary survey assigned the tornado an EF-U (Unknown) rating, meaning there was not enough damage to determine an estimated wind speed using the Enhanced Fujita Scale. The tornado’s path length was measured at approximately 0.24 miles.
The National Weather Service reported no injuries or fatalities associated with the tornado, and no maximum width or peak wind estimate was available because of the limited damage observed.
Officials said the tornado remained over largely open terrain, minimizing impacts to people and property.
The National Weather Service emphasized that the findings are based on a preliminary damage survey, and additional information could be released if necessary.
The confirmation serves as another reminder that even brief tornadoes can develop quickly during severe thunderstorms across southeastern Colorado, highlighting the importance of monitoring weather alerts and having multiple ways to receive warnings during severe weather events.
