Powerful Storm Brings Hail and Tornado Warning to Cheyenne, Southeast Colorado

Why this matters: Understanding severe weather patterns and being prepared can save lives and mitigate damage. The historical context of the 1985 flood underscores the importance of heeding warnings and taking necessary precautions.

On August 1, 2025, a powerful storm system swept through Cheyenne, Wyoming, and southeastern Colorado, causing significant disruption and damage. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 5:31 p.m., followed by a tornado warning as funnel clouds were sighted near Cheyenne.

Cheyenne, Wyoming:

The storm brought large hail, with reports of baseball-sized hailstones in downtown Cheyenne and three-inch hailstones southwest of Burns. Residents reported damage to vehicles, homes, and trees. Rhiannon Knight, a Cheyenne resident, recounted how hail damaged a window in her home, forcing her and her brother to seek safety.

Matt Butler, Laramie County Emergency Services operations coordinator, confirmed damage to building and car windows, with the most extensive damage concentrated in the downtown area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as of Saturday afternoon.

Southeastern Colorado:

The NWS in Pueblo issued a tornado warning for southeastern Colorado until 7:00 p.m., including northwestern Prowers County, south-central Kiowa County, and northeastern Bent County. A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 11 miles southeast of Haswell, moving southeast at 30 mph. The warning included the potential for ping pong ball-sized hail.

Historical Context:

The storm's timing coincided with the 40th anniversary of the 1985 Cheyenne flood. On August 1, 1985, a hailstorm led to a flash flood with over 6 inches of rainfall in three hours. That storm resulted in 12 fatalities, 70 injuries, and over $61 million in damages.

Impact and Preparedness:

The recent storm, while impactful, served as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to severe weather. Emergency services emphasized the importance of taking cover during severe weather events and staying informed through official weather alerts.

What areas were affected by the storm?

Cheyenne, Wyoming, and southeastern Colorado, including Prowers, Kiowa, and Bent counties.

What type of damage was reported?

Damage to vehicles, homes, and trees due to large hail. There were also reports of broken windows and stripped tree bark from lightning strikes.

What should I do during a tornado warning?

Seek shelter immediately in the lowest interior room of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If outside or in a mobile home, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

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