Alert archive / Colorado / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 253, NWS Pueblo, CO

August 16, 2026Crowley County, El Paso County, Pueblo County, Colorado

NWS Pueblo, CO issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Aug 16, 2026, 4:11 PM MDT for Crowley County, El Paso County, Pueblo County, Colorado. It was in force for 49 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued
Aug 16, 2026, 4:11 PM MDT (22:11 UTC)
Expired
Aug 16, 2026, 5:00 PM MDT
In force
49 min
Issued by
NWS Pueblo, CO
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
1.0 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Crowley County, CO, El Paso County, CO, Pueblo County, CO

The radar

The Pueblo radar (KPUX), 10 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 22:14 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this severe thunderstorm warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Aug 16, 2:06 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WatchSPC7 hr

The text

As transmitted.

879 
WUUS55 KPUB 162211
SVRPUB
COC025-041-101-162300-
/O.NEW.KPUB.SV.W.0253.260816T2211Z-260816T2300Z/

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
411 PM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Southeastern El Paso County in east central Colorado...
  Northwestern Crowley County in southeastern Colorado...
  Northeastern Pueblo County in southeastern Colorado...

* Until 500 PM MDT.

* At 411 PM MDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Hanover, or
  23 miles northeast of Pueblo Airport, moving east at 10 mph.

  HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage 
           to roofs, siding, and trees.

* This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
  southeastern El Paso, northwestern Crowley and northeastern Pueblo
  Counties.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

&&

LAT...LON 3852 10405 3852 10402 3851 10402 3843 10416
      3846 10439 3870 10435 3871 10405
TIME...MOT...LOC 2211Z 286DEG 11KT 3861 10432 

HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH

$$

Simcoe
1 follow-up statement
995 
WWUS55 KPUB 162256
SVSPUB

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
456 PM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

COC025-041-101-162306-
/O.EXP.KPUB.SV.W.0253.000000T0000Z-260816T2300Z/
El Paso CO-Crowley CO-Pueblo CO-
456 PM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN EL PASO...
NORTHWESTERN CROWLEY AND NORTHEASTERN PUEBLO COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT
500 PM MDT...

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and has exited the warned area. Therefore, the warning will
be allowed to expire.  However, small hail and gusty winds are still
possible with this thunderstorm.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM MDT for
southeastern and east central Colorado.

&&

LAT...LON 3852 10405 3852 10402 3851 10402 3843 10416
      3846 10439 3870 10435 3871 10405
TIME...MOT...LOC 2256Z 286DEG 11KT 3857 10415 

$$

Simcoe

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Pueblo, CO wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Aug 16, 2:08 PM MDT, 2 hours 3 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Showers and storms continue this evening, some strong to severe. Strong winds, hail, and heavy rain/flash flooding on the table.
  • Afternoon storms are expected again on Monday, mostly over the eastern mountains and Raton Mesa.
  • A bit drier through the rest of the week, though some scattered storms will still be possible each afternoon starting Weds.
  • Warmer temps return this week and into the weekend. Eastern plains may hit triple digits this weekend.
Area forecast discussion, Aug 16, 2:08 PM MDT, 2 hours 3 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
208 PM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Showers and storms continue this evening, some strong to severe.
Strong winds, hail, and heavy rain/flash flooding on the table.

- Afternoon storms are expected again on Monday, mostly over the
eastern mountains and Raton Mesa.

- A bit drier through the rest of the week, though some scattered
storms will still be possible each afternoon starting Weds.

- Warmer temps return this week and into the weekend. Eastern
  plains may hit triple digits this weekend.

&&

.UPDATE...
Issued at 206 PM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

Strong to severe storms have already formed over the Pikes Peak
Region and near the Raton Mesa as of 2pm. Flash flooding is also
ongoing over the Aspen Acres burn scar. Activity is expected to
continue pushing east through the remainder of the evening.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is now in effect through 9pm this
evening.

&&

.SHORT TERM /THROUGH MONDAY/...
Issued at 1240 PM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

Rest of Today and Tonight...

With the monsoon plume funneling right into our area, thunderstorm
activity is expected to move across our area through the rest of the
afternoon and into this evening. Strong to severe storms are still
anticipated, with current analysis showing 1000 J/kg of CAPE along I-
25, increasing to 2000+ further east. Additionally, the eastern half
of our CWA shows 30 knots or so of effective bulk shear. Dewpoints
remain in the 50s over most of these areas as well, close to 60 in
places.

Storms will continue to initiate over our eastern mountains, pushing
over the plains within the next few hours and intensifying. Main
storm hazards remain on track from previous forecasts, with outflow
winds 60-70 mph, hail up to 1.5 inches, heavy rain and flash
flooding. Flood Watch for Aspen Acres remains in effect thru 8pm.

Storms will move off to the east later tonight, with mild
temperatures and lingering low-level moisture setting things up for
tomorrow.

Monday...

The upper ridge will build back in over our area on Monday, kicking
the monsoon plume to our west and giving us a slightly drier day.
However, some lingering low-level moisture should coincide with a
weak passing shortwave aloft, allowing for some afternoon
thunderstorm formation, though noticeably less than today. The
majority of convection will form over our southeast mountains,
spreading close to the Raton Mesa and far southern plains later in
the day, while a few isolated to scattered storms will be possible
over the San Juans and the Pikes Peak Region. Storms along the
terrain will be on the weaker side, with outflow to 50 mph and hail
up to half an inch or so. If storms manage to persist long enough to
move onto the eastern plains, they will encounter moist,
southeasterly surface winds and better forcing thanks to the passing
shortwave. Some stronger to severe storms (60 mph winds, 1 inch
hail) will be possible late afternoon into early evening.
Additionally, any storm will be capable of producing heavy rainfall,
so flash flooding will still be a concern over burn scars, though
again coverage and confidence are both lower for Monday than today.
Finally, highs will be a few degrees warmer across the region, with
mid-80s to low-90s.

&&

.LONG TERM /MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY/...
Issued at 1240 PM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

Long-range forecast remains on track, with the upper high expected
to build back in over the Four Corners Region. This will amplify the
upper ridge, leading to drier conditions across the area through
most of the week. After much drier conditions on Tuesday, lingering
low to mid-level moisture will allow for more scattered thunderstorm
activity each day. Storms will first form over the mountains, with a
passing front on Wednesday bringing precipitation back to the plains
as well. Meanwhile, high temps will increase across the board, with
high-80s over the valleys and high-90s over the eastern plains, with
a low but non-zero chance for some more triple digits heading into
this weekend.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z MONDAY/...
Issued at 1119 AM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

VFR conditions are mostly expected at KALS, KCOS, and KPUB through
24 hours.

Scattered showers and storms will move past KCOS and KPUB between 20-
03Z, with expected outflow winds over 40 knots. Chances for direct
impact at KPUB remains low, so left as PROB30. Confidence in precip
at KCOS has increased, so added a TEMPO group there, followed by a
PROB30 this evening for when coverage becomes more sparse.

Currently, no precip or storm-related impacts at KALS this period,
with winds mainly retaining a southerly component. Mid-level clouds
will linger across the area as well.

&&

.PUB WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Flash Flood Watch until 8 PM MDT this evening for COZ079-080-
086.

&&

UPDATE...GARBEROGLIO
SHORT TERM...GARBEROGLIO
LONG TERM...GARBEROGLIO
AVIATION...GARBEROGLIO
Hazardous weather outlook, Aug 16, 11:21 AM MDT, 4 hours 50 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
1121 AM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

COZ058>089-093>099-171730-
Western Mosquito Range/East Lake County Above 11000 Feet-
Leadville Vicinity/Lake County Below 11000 Feet-
Eastern Sawatch Mountains Above 11000 Feet-
Western Chaffee County Between 9000 and 11000 Feet-
Central Chaffee County Below 9000 Feet-
Western Mosquito Range/East Chaffee County Above 9000 Feet-
Saguache County West of Continental Divide Below 10000 Feet-
Saguache County East of Continental Divide Below 10000 Feet-
La Garita Mountains Above 10000 Feet-
Upper Rio Grande Valley/Eastern San Juan Mountains Below
10000 Feet-Eastern San Juan Mountains Above 10000 Feet-
Del Norte Vicinity/Northern San Luis Valley Below 8500 Feet-
Alamosa  Vicinity/Central San Luis Valley Below 8500 Feet-
Southern San Luis Valley-
Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains Between 8500 And 11000 Feet-
Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains Above 11000 Feet-
Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains Between 7500 and 11000 Feet-
Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains Above 11000 Feet-
Northwestern Fremont County Above 8500 Feet-
Western/Central Fremont County Below 8500 Feet-
Wet Mountain Valley Below 8500 Feet-
Wet Mountains between 6300 and 10000 Feet-
Wet Mountains Above 10000 Feet-
Teller County/Rampart Range Above 7500 Feet/Pikes Peak Between
7500 And 11000 Feet-Pikes Peak Above 11000 Feet-
Canon City Vicinity/Eastern Fremont County-
Northern El Paso County/Monument Ridge/Rampart Range Below
7500 Feet-
Colorado Springs Vicinity/Southern El Paso County/Rampart Range
Below 7400 Feet-Pueblo Vicinity/Pueblo County Below 6300 Feet-
Walsenburg Vicinity/Upper Huerfano River Basin Below 7500 Feet-
Trinidad Vicinity/Western Las Animas County Below 7500 Feet-
Crowley County-La Junta Vicinity/Otero County-
Eastern Las Animas County-Western Kiowa County-
Eastern Kiowa County-Las Animas Vicinity/Bent County-
Lamar Vicinity/Prowers County-Springfield Vicinity/Baca County-
1121 AM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of central...east
central...south central and southeast Colorado.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

Widespread showers and thunderstorms will develop by early afternoon
across the higher terrain, and spread east into the Plains during
the afternoon and evening. Storms will be capable of producing heavy
rainfall and lightning, and as they move into the lower elevations,
a few could become strong to severe with hail to 1.5 inches in
diameter and wind gusts 60 to 70 mph. A Flash Flood Watch is in
effect for the Aspen Acres burn scar for this afternoon and evening.
Showers and thunderstorms could redevelop during the evening hours
along the Highway 50 corridor, but should remain sub severe.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday

Another round of widespread showers and thunderstorms is forecast
for Monday. Heavy rainfall, hail to half inch in diameter and wind
gusts to 50 mph may accompany stronger storms. Flash flooding could
be possible on areas burn scars if a storm moves over one.

Drier air and high pressure will return to the area beginning
Tuesday and prevail into next weekend. Shower and thunderstorm
activity will diminish to more isolated to scattered in nature, and
temperatures will warm. A cold front may lead to slightly more
thunderstorm coverage on Wednesday, but overall, conditions will be
drier.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather conditions that meet reporting criteria for spotters will
be possible over portions of the region.

GARBEROGLIO/88

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Aug 16, 2:35 PM MDT, 1 hour 36 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
235 PM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

COZ084-162100-
Northern El Paso County/Monument Ridge/Rampart Range Below 7500 Ft
CO-
235 PM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN EL PASO COUNTY
THROUGH 300 PM MDT...

At 235 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Calhan, or 27 miles east of Colorado Springs, moving north at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Calhan.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM MDT for
east central Colorado.

&&

LAT...LON 3887 10427 3894 10442 3909 10440 3907 10409
TIME...MOT...LOC 2035Z 198DEG 16KT 3895 10432

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH

Simcoe
Local storm report, Aug 16, 2:46 PM MDT, 1 hour 25 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
246 PM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0209 PM     Flash Flood      Beulah                  38.07N 104.99W
08/16/2026                   Pueblo             CO   Emergency Mngr

            Water Rescue Underway.

&&
Special weather statement, Aug 16, 3:00 PM MDT, 1 hour 11 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
300 PM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

COZ084-085-162130-
Colorado Springs Vicinity/Southern El Paso County/Rampart Range Below
7400 Ft CO-
Northern El Paso County/Monument Ridge/Rampart Range Below 7500 Ft
CO-
300 PM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT EAST CENTRAL EL PASO COUNTY
THROUGH 330 PM MDT...

At 259 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 7 miles south of Calhan to Ellicott to near
Schriever Space Force Base. Movement was east at 10 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Truckton, Yoder, Schriever Space Force Base, and Ellicott.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM MDT for
east central Colorado.

&&

LAT...LON 3877 10405 3872 10405 3871 10444 3878 10453
      3888 10448 3895 10439
TIME...MOT...LOC 2059Z 270DEG 9KT 3892 10434 3884 10438 3879 10448

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH

Simcoe
Local storm report, Aug 16, 3:25 PM MDT, 46 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
325 PM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0306 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     4 SW Ramah              39.09N 104.22W
08/16/2026  M62 MPH          El Paso            CO   Mesonet

            Mesonet station TT565 Ramah.

&&
Local storm report, Aug 16, 3:27 PM MDT, 44 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
327 PM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0312 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     5 N Yoder               38.91N 104.20W
08/16/2026  M58 MPH          El Paso            CO   Public

            Private weather station measured wind gust.

&&
Special weather statement, Aug 16, 3:38 PM MDT, 33 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
338 PM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

COZ085-086-162215-
Pueblo Vicinity/Pueblo County Below 6300 Feet CO-
Colorado Springs Vicinity/Southern El Paso County/Rampart Range Below
7400 Ft CO-
338 PM MDT Sun Aug 16 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTH CENTRAL EL PASO AND NORTH
CENTRAL PUEBLO COUNTIES THROUGH 415 PM MDT...

At 338 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Hanover, or 24 miles north of Pueblo Airport, moving east at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Hanover.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM MDT for
southeastern and east central Colorado.

&&

LAT...LON 3863 10452 3866 10451 3872 10438 3852 10424
      3850 10442
TIME...MOT...LOC 2138Z 285DEG 12KT 3864 10443

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH

Simcoe

The office that day

Everything else NWS Pueblo, CO issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 15, 6:04 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPUBBaca, Prowers41 min
Aug 15, 6:06 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPUBBaca39 min
Aug 15, 6:21 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPUBBaca, Prowers24 min
Aug 15, 6:31 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPUBBaca29 min
Aug 15, 6:38 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPUBBaca, Prowers52 min
Aug 15, 7:47 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBKiowa28 min
Aug 15, 8:01 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBKiowa29 min
Aug 15, 9:00 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBCheyenne30 min
Aug 16, 12:34 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBTeller26 min
Aug 16, 12:57 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBHuerfano33 min
Aug 16, 1:11 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBCuster34 min
Aug 16, 1:12 PM MDTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPUBCuster, Pueblo3 hr
Aug 16, 1:14 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBEl Paso31 min
Aug 16, 1:28 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPUBCuster, Pueblo47 min
Aug 16, 1:32 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBEl Paso28 min
Aug 16, 1:34 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPUBLas Animas29 min
Aug 16, 1:40 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPUBEl Paso, Teller50 min
Aug 16, 1:49 PM MDTFlash Flood Warning EmergencyCatastrophic damage threatPUBCuster, Pueblo2 hr
Aug 16, 2:04 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBEl Paso26 min
Aug 16, 2:05 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBPueblo25 min
Aug 16, 2:17 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPUBEl Paso43 min
Aug 16, 2:29 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBHuerfano31 min
Aug 16, 2:31 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBLas Animas29 min
Aug 16, 2:33 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBCrowley27 min
Aug 16, 2:35 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBEl Paso25 min
Aug 16, 2:39 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPUBEl Paso51 min
Aug 16, 2:43 PM MDTFlash Flood WarningPUBEl Paso2 hr
Aug 16, 2:49 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPUBEl Paso41 min
Aug 16, 2:50 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPUBLas Animas40 min
Aug 16, 3:00 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBEl Paso30 min
Aug 16, 3:25 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPUBEl Paso50 min
Aug 16, 3:38 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBEl Paso37 min
Aug 16, 3:42 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPUBEl Paso, Pueblo48 min
Aug 16, 4:22 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBTeller23 min
Aug 16, 4:44 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBTeller31 min
Aug 16, 5:01 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPUBTeller44 min
Aug 16, 5:26 PM MDTFlash Flood WarningPUBTeller3 hr
Aug 16, 5:29 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPUBBent, Crowley, Kiowa46 min
Aug 16, 5:42 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementPUBTeller33 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Colorado, 2026Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.