The National Weather Service in Goodland, Kansas, issued a special weather statement at 10:46 p.m. MDT on August 22, warning of a cluster of strong thunderstorms moving east at 30 mph. Doppler radar indicated the storms were located 5 miles southwest of Seibert, Colorado, at 10:45 p.m. MDT. The storms could produce wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and nickel size hail, according to the advisory.
KEY FACTS
- The storms were tracked by Doppler radar at 10:45 p.m. MDT, about 5 miles southwest of Seibert.
- Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and nickel size hail are possible, according to the National Weather Service.
- The storms are expected to reach Seibert around 10:50 p.m. MDT and Vona around 11:00 p.m. MDT.
- Interstate 70 in Colorado between mile markers 390 and 417 is included in the warning area.
- Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects; minor hail damage is possible.
CONTEXT
The special weather statement was issued by the National Weather Service office in Goodland, Kansas, which covers parts of eastern Colorado. The advisory is based on radar indications, not on direct observations of wind or hail. The storm cluster is moving east at 30 mph, and the warning is in effect for a short window as the storms pass through specific locations. The affected area includes a stretch of Interstate 70, a major highway, which could see reduced visibility and hazardous driving conditions. The National Weather Service advises residents to secure loose outdoor items and be cautious of falling tree limbs. This type of statement is routine for strong thunderstorms and is not a severe thunderstorm warning, which would indicate more intense conditions. The advisory is expected to expire as the storms move out of the area.
WHY IT MATTERS
This weather statement matters because it alerts residents and travelers in eastern Colorado to potentially hazardous conditions, including strong wind gusts and hail, which can cause property damage and create dangerous driving conditions on Interstate 70. Timely warnings help people take precautions to protect themselves and their property.
WHAT TO WATCH
- Monitor local weather updates for any escalation to a severe thunderstorm warning.
- Be prepared for sudden wind gusts and hail if in the warned areas of Seibert or Vona.
- Secure outdoor furniture and objects that could be blown around by strong winds.
- Exercise caution while driving on Interstate 70 between mile markers 390 and 417.