Tornado and Flash Flooding in Colorado, July 12, 2000

Heavy rain fell across a portion of the Hi Meadow burn area near Buffalo Creek, causing localized flash flooding. Approximately three quarters of an inch /0.75/ of rain fell in 30 minutes across Miller Gulch. Some culverts became plugged by debris from the fire. As a result, small sections of a forest service road along Miller Gulch were washed out.

Lightning struck a home is Castle Rock causing extensive damage. The majority of the damage was confined to the roof, attic and second floor.

A climber was struck and killed by lightning as he and a companion were ascending a sheer rock face, near the summit of Longs Peak. Lightning struck the victim, who was using climbing ropes and a harness, killing him instantly. His friend was not injured.

Very heavy rain, large hail and extensive flash flooding accompanied a line of nearly stationary thunderstorms that formed across eastern and southern portions of Morgan County. Radar estimated at least 6 inches of rain fell during the late afternoon. The heaviest concentration of rain fell in an area bounded by the following locations: Snyder, Brush, 9-mile Corner and Fort Morgan. Beaver Creek, south of Brush, jumped its banks and forced the closure of State Highway 71. Several smaller county roads were washed out and closed due to floodwaters east and south of Brush. In Fort Morgan, numerous cars were stranded and basements flooded, as much of the town was under at least a foot of water. In Morgan County, flood damage to private land was approximately $200,000, with another $50,000 damage to public infrastructures, including a small dam that was breached.

A small tornado touched down briefly but did no damage.

A man received minor injuries when lightning struck a nearby fence, shocking him. He was opening a gate attached to the fence when the bolt hit. Lightning also sparked two small grassfires in the area, but the heavy rain that accompanied the storm quickly extinguished them.