Tornado watch issued for northeast Colorado, Nebraska Panhandle, and southeast Wyoming; check the affected cities

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Tornado Watch 564, in effect until 10:00 p.m. MDT on Friday, August 1, for parts of northeastern Colorado, the Nebraska Panhandle, and southeast Wyoming.

Residents across the tri-state region are urged to remain alert and have emergency plans in place as atmospheric conditions are favorable for tornado development.

At 2:45 p.m. MDT, the NWS Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, issued the alert, citing the potential for severe weather development through the evening.


A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible, not guaranteed, and that people in the affected counties should remain weather-aware and ready to take shelter if conditions worsen.

“This watch includes the potential for isolated tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds,” the NWS said as reported by the Coloradoan.

Areas under Tornado watch

In Colorado, the watch includes:

• Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, and Weld counties. This zone includes cities like Sterling, Fort Morgan, Holyoke, Julesburg, Akron, Greeley, and Windsor.

In Nebraska, the affected counties are:

• Banner, Cheyenne, Kimball, Morrill, and Scotts Bluff. This includes Scottsbluff, Kimball, and surrounding communities in the Panhandle.

In Wyoming, the watch is in effect for:

• Goshen, Laramie, and Platte counties, which include Torrington, Wheatland, and parts of the Cheyenne region.

What to do if a Tornado threatens

• Seek shelter immediately in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
  
• Stay away from windows and exterior walls.
  
• If driving, do not try to outrun a tornado. Instead, seek shelter in a building. If none is available, lie flat in a low-lying area like a ditch and cover your head.
  
• Mobile homes and vehicles are unsafe. Move to a permanent structure if possible.

Watch vs. Warning: Know the difference

• A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form.

A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar. Take cover immediately.