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.