Weather
Watch: Utah Family’s Desperate Fight Against Floodwaters
Intense thunderstorms unleashed a deluge on Utah, transforming multiple communities into flooded nightmares.
Orem bore the brunt of the storm, with a family narrowly escaping as floodwaters crashed through their home.
The downpour was accompanied by severe hail, with some areas accumulating up to five feet of ice, blocking entrances and overwhelming garages.
Basements and ground floors across the region were inundated, prompting officials to classify the event as a “greater-than-100-year storm.”
Even the Orem Skate Park was transformed into a temporary lake, showcasing the sheer force of the water.
DENVER, CO — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Denver has issued a Tornado Warning for southwestern Logan County and north-central Washington County in northeastern Colorado, effective until 5:45 p.m. MDT Friday.
At 5:11 p.m., weather spotters confirmed a tornado on the ground near Merino, approximately 11 miles southwest of Sterling, moving southeast at 20 miles per hour.
The storm system is producing a dangerous and damaging tornado, with the potential for:
- Flying debris posing serious risk to those outdoors or in vehicles
- Structural damage to homes, roofs, windows, and vehicles
- Uprooted trees and downed power lines
- Total destruction of mobile homes
Communities directly in the path of the tornado include:
- Merino
- Prewitt Reservoir
- Atwood
- Logan Corners
- Willard
- Messex
Residents in these areas should seek shelter immediately. The safest option is to move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows and exterior walls.
Do not attempt to outrun the tornado in a vehicle. If no shelter is available, lie flat in a low-lying area and protect your head.
This is a confirmed tornado, not just radar-indicated. Immediate action is critical to ensuring safety.
Continue monitoring local media, NOAA weather radio, or official NWS alerts for real-time updates.