Tornadoes in Colorado, October 11, 1997

The same supercell thunderstorm that brought large hail and a brief tornado to eastern Otero county produced a long track tornado through northwestern Bent and central Kiowa counties. The tornado began about 7 miles west of Las Animas. Eleven people were in the direct path of the tornado as it hit a ranch house and adjacent outbuildings. Five men were caught outside, trying to move their vehicles from harm's way. Four were thrown about by the tornado and received minor injuries. Six women in the ranch house were unhurt. The tornado moved northeast and blew a vehicle off Highway 194. The occupant received minor injuries. It destroyed a stream level monitor on the other side of the highway, then ripped through a line of trees before moving into barren country. Eyewitnesses said the tornado remained intact for most of the 35 mile track northeast to just south of Highway 96 in Kiowa county. Owing to the nearly uninhabited, barren landscape, little if any damage occurred beyond Highway 194 in Bent county.