Severe Thunderstorm Warning 8, NWS Pueblo, CO

744 
WWUS55 KPUB 212233
SVSPUB

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
433 PM MDT Thu May 21 2026

COC009-212245-
/O.CON.KPUB.SV.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260521T2245Z/
Baca CO-
433 PM MDT Thu May 21 2026

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 445 PM MDT
FOR SOUTHWESTERN BACA COUNTY...

At 432 PM MDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 12 miles northeast
of Kenton, or 27 miles southwest of Springfield, moving northeast at
25 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
southwestern Baca County.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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

&&

LAT...LON 3706 10299 3719 10282 3700 10256 3699 10259
      3700 10275 3700 10297
TIME...MOT...LOC 2232Z 234DEG 21KT 3706 10287 

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

$$

Ehr

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
237 PM MDT Thu May 21 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- A few severe thunderstorms will be possible this afternoon
  and evening across the southeast plains.

- Scattered afternoon showers and storms, especially over and
  near the higher terrain, continue Friday and Saturday.

- Warming trend for Sunday with more moisture possibly moving into
  the region early next week.

&&

.SHORT TERM /THROUGH FRIDAY/...
Issued at 234 PM MDT Thu May 21 2026

Current water vapor imagery and upper air analysis has increasing
westerly flow aloft across the Rockies, as a trough is translating
across the Intermountain West and into the Rockies at this time.
Morning stratus across the plains has broken up, with regional
satellite imagery indicating CU developing across the higher
terrain, as well as across the Raton Mesa and into the southeast
plains. Regional radars are indicating a some weak echoes
across higher terrain, especially across the northern mtns, with
a few storms firing across the southern I-25 Corridor as of 1 pm.

This afternoon and evening...SPC meso analysis has SB CAPE of 500-
1000 j/kg across the I-25 Corridor, increasing to over 2000 j/kg
across the far southeast plains, where dew points are in the mid to
upper 50s at this time. SPC Meso analysis also has the strongest deep
layer shear of 40-50kts across Northern and Central Colorado, with
20-30kts of shear across Southern Colorado at this time.

Latest model data continues to support deep layer shear increasing
across southern Colorado through the late afternoon and early
evening, with cams continuing to indicate super cell development and
helicity swaths across the southeast plains through the late
afternoon, with the potential for storms to line out as they move
into western Kansas into the early evening. With that said, Severe
Thunderstorm Watch 238 is in effect for Las Animas, Baca, Otero,
Bent and Prowers counties through 03Z. Will need to watch for storm
development across the Palmer Dvd into northern portions of the
southeast Plains, with the stronger shear, but lesser progged
instability, as a few cams do indicate some development along and
north of the Palmer.

Upper trough continues to translate across the Rockies tonight, with
a secondary round of showers and storms pushing south across the
plains with the systems passing cold front. Best coverage of storms
progged to remain across northeast Colorado into northern portions
of the southeast plains overnight, with breezy northerly winds
expected across all of southeast Colorado behind the front. Upslope
develops across the plains through the day on Friday, with yet
another weak embedded wave within the moderate westerly flow aloft,
helping to develop scattered showers and a few isolated thunderstorms
over and near the higher terrain into the afternoon. Temperatures to
remain at to below seasonal levels, with highs in the 60s to low 70s
across the plains tomorrow, with 40s and 50s across the higher
terrain and mainly 60s across the high mtn valleys.

&&

.LONG TERM /FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
Issued at 234 PM MDT Thu May 21 2026

Modest west to northwest flow remains progged across the region on
Saturday as upper level ridging builds across the region Sunday
into Monday. Latest models indicate another weak disturbance
across the area on Saturday, keeping the chances for afternoon
and evening showers and storms across the area, with the best
coverage over and near the higher terrain. Warming and drying trend
for Sunday, with enough moisture in place to support isolated to
scattered afternoon mtn showers.

By Monday...models are indicating the potential for increasing
moisture within southwest flow aloft, as another upper trough
develops and translates across the Pacific Northwest and
Intermountain West through early next week. This will bring
increasing chances of showers and storms to the region.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z FRIDAY/...
Issued at 1114 AM MDT Thu May 21 2026

VFR conditions are expected at COS, PUB and ALS over the next 24
hours. Latest model data keeps best chances of storms north of
COS and south of PUB and did not include any mention of convection
in the tafs at this time. Breezy southerly winds at COS and
southeast winds at PUB will continue through the late afternoon,
with gusty northerly winds expected to develop between 04Z-06Z
with passing waves associated cold front moving across the
plains. Gusty west to southwest winds at ALS to continue through
the late afternoon, with winds diminishing through the early
evening.

&&

.PUB WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.

&&

SHORT TERM...MW
LONG TERM...MW
AVIATION...MW

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
935 AM MDT Thu May 21 2026

COZ058>089-093>099-221545-
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-
935 AM MDT Thu May 21 2026

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

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

One or two severe thunderstorms are expected this afternoon over
the southeast Plains of Colorado. Although thunderstorms could
occur anywhere over the southeast Colorado plains today, the
overall best chance of severe storms will be south of Highway 50
and generally north and east of a line from Rocky Ford to Trinchera.

Shear and instability favor isolated supercell thunderstorms, so
hail from 1 to 2 inches in diameter will be possible, along with
wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph. An Isolated tornado cannot be ruled
out.

Another round of thunderstorms will be possible this evening into
the overnight hours, and most of these storms are expected to
occur north of the Highway 50 Corridor. Gusty winds, small hail,
brief periods of heavy rain and cloud to ground lightning will be
the main threats.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday

Scattered showers and thunderstorms will once again be possible both
Friday afternoon and Saturday afternoon across the plains. Shear
will be weaker aloft but sufficient instability will be over the
region, so one or two of these storms could be on the stronger side.

For Sunday and Monday, it will be much warmer over the region and
only high based isolated storms will be possible. Gusty winds will
be the main threat.

For Tuesday, a slug of moisture is expected to be advected over the
interior mountains in advance of a tight mid level low pressure
system over the north central Rockies. This will support showers
and thunderstorm chances over the interior mountains and valleys.
Since it has been so very dry over the interior mountains of
late, fire starts from lightning will be a distinct possibility
Tuesday afternoon.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

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

23/34

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
225 PM MDT Thu May 21 2026

COZ097-212100-
Las Animas Vicinity/Bent County CO-
225 PM MDT Thu May 21 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN BENT COUNTY THROUGH
300 PM MDT...

At 225 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 13
miles east of Higbee, or 20 miles southeast of North La Junta, moving
northeast at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and nickel 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.

This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of southwestern Bent
County.

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 Colorado.

&&

LAT...LON 3772 10315 3779 10331 3798 10329 3791 10294
TIME...MOT...LOC 2025Z 220DEG 21KT 3782 10320

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH

KTS

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
241 PM MDT Thu May 21 2026

COZ094-097-212115-
Las Animas Vicinity/Bent County CO-Eastern Las Animas County CO-
241 PM MDT Thu May 21 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT EAST CENTRAL LAS ANIMAS AND
SOUTHWESTERN BENT COUNTIES THROUGH 315 PM MDT...

At 241 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 24 miles south of Las Animas to 14 miles
southeast of Higbee. Movement was northeast at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and nickel 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.

These storms will remain over mainly rural areas of east central Las
Animas and southwestern Bent Counties.

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.

&&

LAT...LON 3779 10294 3762 10310 3750 10327 3762 10342
      3778 10330 3786 10325
TIME...MOT...LOC 2041Z 246DEG 16KT 3772 10312 3760 10330

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH

Ehr

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
321 PM MDT Thu May 21 2026

COZ097-212200-
Las Animas Vicinity/Bent County CO-
321 PM MDT Thu May 21 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN PROWERS...
NORTHWESTERN BACA...SOUTHWESTERN KIOWA...NORTHEASTERN LAS ANIMAS AND
EASTERN BENT COUNTIES THROUGH 400 PM MDT...

At 320 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Hasty to 16 miles southeast of John Martin
Reservoir to 21 miles southeast of Las Animas. Movement was northeast
at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and nickel 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...
Hasty, McClave, John Martin Reservoir, and Caddoa.

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
southeastern Colorado.

&&

LAT...LON 3764 10278 3764 10313 3791 10311 3803 10307
      3827 10308 3827 10278 3810 10274 3785 10274
TIME...MOT...LOC 2120Z 219DEG 12KT 3809 10300 3787 10293 3779 10303

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH

Ehr

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
404 PM MDT Thu May 21 2026

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

0345 PM     Landspout        6 NNW Pritchett         37.45N 102.90W
05/21/2026                   Baca               CO   NWS Employee

            Brief landspout.

&&

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
409 PM MDT Thu May 21 2026

COZ089-212245-
Crowley County CO-
409 PM MDT Thu May 21 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WESTERN CROWLEY AND EASTERN
PUEBLO COUNTIES THROUGH 445 PM MDT...

At 409 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Olney Springs, or 27 miles east of Pueblo Airport, moving northeast
at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 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.

This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of western Crowley and
eastern Pueblo Counties.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3826 10363 3818 10403 3821 10406 3834 10406
      3847 10388
TIME...MOT...LOC 2209Z 232DEG 26KT 3825 10399

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

KTS

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
410 PM MDT Thu May 21 2026

COZ097-098-212245-
Lamar Vicinity/Prowers County CO-Las Animas Vicinity/Bent County CO-
410 PM MDT Thu May 21 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN PROWERS...
NORTHWESTERN BACA AND SOUTHEASTERN BENT COUNTIES THROUGH 445 PM
MDT...

At 410 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles northwest of Two Buttes Reservoir, or 24 miles north of
Springfield, moving east at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and nickel 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...
Two Buttes Reservoir.

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 Colorado.

&&

LAT...LON 3764 10283 3785 10281 3799 10256 3764 10247
TIME...MOT...LOC 2210Z 265DEG 14KT 3774 10275

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH

Ehr