Tornado Watch Issued for Northeast Colorado, Nebraska Panhandle, and Southeast Wyoming

Strategic Insights -

Thunderstorms are forecast to develop and intensify this afternoon and persist through the evening in Northeast Colorado, Nebraska Panhandle, and Southeast Wyoming, posing a risk for large to very large hail and a couple tornadoes. The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a Tornado Watch effective from 245 PM MDT on Friday, August 1, 2025, until 1000 PM MDT.

Key Takeaways:

  • The tornado watch area includes portions of Northeast Colorado, Nebraska Panhandle, and Southeast Wyoming, covering approximately 75 statute miles east and west of a line from 15 miles west-northwest of Scottsbluff, NE, to 30 miles west-southwest of Akron, CO.
  • The primary threats include a couple of tornadoes, scattered large hail (1 to 3 inches in diameter), and scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph.
  • The stronger storms will likely become supercellular, increasing the risk for severe hail and tornadoes, particularly during the late afternoon and early evening.
  • Aviation coordination recommends extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts up to 60 knots.
  • The combined severe hail/wind probability is high (80%).

Statistics:

  • The watch is effective from 245 PM MDT on Friday, August 1, 2025, until 1000 PM MDT.
  • The watch area covers approximately 75 statute miles east and west of a line from 15 miles west-northwest of Scottsbluff, NE, to 30 miles west-southwest of Akron, CO.
  • The probability of 2 or more tornadoes is moderate (30%).
  • The probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes is low (20%).
  • The probability of 10 or more severe wind events (65 knots) is moderate (50%).
  • The probability of 10 or more severe hail events is moderate (50%).
  • The combined severe hail/wind probability is high (80%).

Sources:

  • NWS Storm Prediction Center (http://www.spc.noaa.gov/).
  • Tornado Watch Number 564 (http://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado-watch).