Severe Weather Hits Eastern Colorado
A swift-moving cold front swept through Colorado on Wednesday, triggering thunderstorms that brought heavy rain, substantial hail, and fierce wind gusts across the region. This sudden change in weather conditions significantly impacted the evening commute, particularly for drivers on major highways.
Thunderstorm Activity and Commute Disruption
Severe storms developed as the cold front surged, leading to reports of strong wind gusts extending from Denver into the eastern plains. Areas of heavy rainfall created hazardous travel conditions on Interstate 70 west and Interstate 25 north of Downtown Denver, causing significant slowdowns for afternoon commuters. At Denver International Airport, outflow winds clocked in at an alarming 60 mph, prompting meteorologists to issue a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the city and parts of Adams County.
Wind Damage Reports
The wind damage reports were substantial, with gusts documented between 50 to 79 mph across the eastern plains. The combination of upper-level wind dynamics, the advancing cold front, and outflow winds led to gusty conditions being the predominant issue of the day. Specific areas experienced powerful winds, including:
- Denver: Gusts reached up to 60 mph
- Brush: Wind gusts peaked at 70 mph, resulting in downed power lines and broken tree branches up to three inches in diameter.
Hail Reports
In addition to strong winds, hail was reported in several locations, including:
- Erie and Frederick: Hailstones the size of quarters
- Arvada and Wheat Ridge: Marble-sized hail
Impact Summary
| Location | Wind Gusts (mph) | Hail Size |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | 60 | N/A |
| Brush | 70 | N/A |
| Erie | N/A | Quarter-sized |
| Arvada | N/A | Marble-sized |
Forecasters are continuing to monitor weather patterns as the system moves out, emphasizing the need for residents to stay informed about potential further developments. As always, safety remains a priority during severe weather events.
