Denver, Colo. – Much of eastern Colorado is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9 p.m. MDT Thursday, with dangerous winds and hail posing threats to drivers, powerlines, and outdoor plans across 21 counties.
According to the National Weather Service and the Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 502 includes Adams, Arapahoe, El Paso, Pueblo, and Morgan counties, among others. The main risks include wind gusts up to 70 mph and large hail, with isolated tornadoes not ruled out in open plains. The watch extends until 9 p.m. for areas from the Denver suburbs to the Kansas border.
Drivers on I-25, I-70, and US 50 should prepare for rapidly changing conditions, including blinding downpours and sudden crosswinds. Emergency managers urge residents to secure outdoor items, charge mobile devices, and monitor local alerts. Lightning and wind damage may cause scattered outages and tree limb breakage, especially in rural and high-wind-prone zones like Kit Carson and Bent counties.
Storm threats are expected to weaken late tonight, but additional warnings may be issued throughout the evening as storms move northeast. Stay weather-aware and avoid outdoor activity until the watch expires.
