An abundance of moisture and instability, focus for thunderstorm development over and near the mountains, and slow moving storms all supported heavy rainfall with flash flooding. Multiple reports were noted along the eastern mountains.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS PUB wrote it up.
An abundance of moisture and instability, focus for thunderstorm development over and near the mountains, and slow moving storms all supported heavy rainfall with flash flooding. Multiple reports were noted along the eastern mountains.
The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at Jul 21, 1:52 PM MST, 1 hour 38 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Pueblo CO 252 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021 .SHORT TERM...(This evening through Thursday) Issued at 242 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021 Currently... Convection has already begun over the mountains, and satellite imagery shows a wide plume of moisture circulating into the area. The Chalk Creek area has already been impacted by locally heavy rainfall, and areas over the San Juans and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are also seeing scattered to widespread convective activity. Flash Flood Watch remains in effect through midnight tonight, so will continue to monitor for dangerous conditions. Rest of today and tonight... With plenty of mid-level moisture in place circulating around the upper-high, showers and thunderstorms are expected to persist over the Central Mountains and parts of the Continental Divide into tonight. The deepest moisture under the ridge will settle over our area through late afternoon, allowing for a modest increase in convective activity. Current thoughts on flash flooding mainly lie over areas on and near the Continental Divide, including the Chalk Cliffs, Poncha Pass, and the Hayden and Decker burn scars. These areas have seen several days on consistent rainfall over the last few weeks, and the ground is expected to already be fairly saturated. Several CAMs also point to some potentially stronger storms over the northern Sangres as well. Although areas to the east are not included in the watch, such as Teller and Fremont Counties and parts of the I-25 corridor, these areas will still need to be monitored as convection develops. With easterly upslope flow present over the plains, if particularly potent storms manage to produce enough outflow winds, an area of localized enhanced convergence could spark some additional storms closer to the I-25 corridor, as well as El Paso and Pueblo Counties. High temperatures today will be close to yesterday, with mid-high 90s expected over the plains, while the higher terrain and mountain valleys will be in the 80s. Tonight, convection and precipitation will slowly diminish, although a few showers could potentially last past midnight. Tomorrow... On Thursday, the upper-high will shift towards the four corners region, pushing some of the moisture out of our area in the process. This will result in making Thursday's weather similar to the last couple of days, with sub-optimal conditions for major convective activity and mid-level monsoon moisture trapped somewhat in place over us. Afternoon and early evening thunderstorms will be possible again, and the flash flooding concerns will mainly depend on which areas get hit the hardest today. High temperatures will be mostly similar to today, maybe a degree or two warmer over the eastern plains. .LONG TERM...(Thursday night through Wednesday) Issued at 242 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021 Friday and Saturday... Friday will be similar to Thursday, albeit slightly warmer, due to the surface high expected to be over western Colorado. With the moisture still in place, showers and thunderstorms over the mountains will be likely once again during the afternoon and evening hours. On Saturday, some of the ambient moisture will be absorbed into the upper-ridge, and additional mid and low-level moisture will be advected into the area. This will likely result in another uptick in precipitation for Saturday afternoon and evening. Shear aloft is still expected to be weak, which leads to more concerns of slow- moving storms and flash flooding over parts of the higher terrain, including the burn scars. Conditions will have to be monitored going forward. Sunday... The ridge axis will stall out and potentially even retrograde to the west slightly on Sunday, while an upper low continues to sit off of the West Coast. This will give us a slight decrease in the potential for convective activity, although there may still be enough moisture in place to continue our trend of afternoon showers over the central mountains. High temperatures for the weekend will cool down a few degrees from Friday but will likely remain steady into the start of next week. Monday and onwards... At the start of next week, the ridge axis is expected to shift to the east, which will allow for an increased influx of monsoon moisture into the region. This will allow for another increase in precipitation over the area, specifically over the mountains, into the start of next week. High temperatures are also expected to increase slightly, with the plains potentially reaching triple digits again by Tuesday. && .AVIATION...(For the 00Z TAFS through 00Z Thursday evening) Issued at 242 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021 KALS: VFR conditions are expected over the next 24 hours, except for later this evening when thunderstorms develop around KALS that could drop visibilities to MVFR conditions. These thunderstorms will be capable of brief heavy downpours and erratic outflow winds. Thunderstorms will dissipate late this evening and winds will lessen and become light and variable overnight and into tomorrow morning. KCOS: VFR conditions are expected over the next 24 hours. Rain showers, and possibly thunderstorms, will develop late this afternoon and evening over the mountains, but should stay over the higher terrain. While precipitation should stay west of the TAF site, gusty outflow winds could be possible during the afternoon and evening; otherwise, expect winds to become light and variable overnight and into tomorrow morning. KPUB: VFR conditions are expected over the next 24 hours. Winds will increase in magnitude and become gusty later this afternoon, before becoming light and variable overnight and into tomorrow morning. Clouds will increase in coverage through the afternoon and evening today, and maintain a steady presence over the area. && .PUB WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Flash Flood Watch until midnight MDT tonight for COZ060-061- 064>068-072-073. && SHORT TERM...GARBEROGLIO LONG TERM...GARBEROGLIO AVIATION...SIMCOE
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Pueblo CO 1136 AM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021 COZ058>089-093>099-221745- 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- 1136 AM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of central...east central...south central and southeast Colorado. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight Scattered to widespread rain showers and thunderstorms are likely this afternoon along the western mountains, especially over the high terrain of the Continental Divide. Storms will be slow moving, and locally heavy rainfall and flash flooding will be possible this afternoon and evening. Burn scars, such as the Hayden Pass and Decker, will be particularly susceptible today, as well as the Chalk Cliffs area. Main hazards of thunderstorms today will be heavy downpours, lightning, and gusty outflow winds up to 50 mph. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday On Thursday and Friday, there will be a few thunderstorms developing during the afternoon and early evening hours over the mountains, with a storm or two possible over the plains along the I-25 corridor during the late afternoon and evening hours. In addition to heavy rain, cloud to ground lightning, and erratic wind gusts up to 50 mph, and possibly some small hail will accompany these storms. On Saturday, scattered thunderstorms will occur over the mountains and San Luis Valley during the afternoon and early evening, a few thunderstorms will be possible along the I-25 corridor and over the plains later in the evening as well. Flash flooding for the burn scars could also occur, as storms are expected to be slow moving with copious amounts of rainfall in a short period of time. On Sunday, scattered thunderstorms will develop during the afternoon over the mountainous areas, especially over the central mountains, and a few storms could move out out over the I-25 corridor later in the evening. On Monday and Tuesday, scattered to numerous thunderstorms will develop over the mountains and along the I-25 corridor during the afternoon and evening, and a few thunderstorms will also move out over the central plains later in the evening. Flash flooding for the burn scar areas could occur. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather conditions that meet reporting criteria for spotters will be possible across the mountains of south central and southeast Colorado this afternoon and evening. SIMCOE/STEWARD
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
121 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021
COZ067-068-212015-
Upper Rio Grande Valley/Eastern San Juan Mountains Below 10000 Ft CO-
Eastern San Juan Mountains Above 10000 Ft CO-
121 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021
At 120 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 13
miles north of Chama, moving southwest at 5 mph. Around 1.5" of rain
fallen has been derived from radar. Enhanced flow in streams is
possible in the eastern San Juans in Conejos County.
Locations impacted include...
Cumbres Pass and Platoro.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3700 10648 3714 10659 3719 10660 3723 10668
3728 10668 3738 10666 3739 10642 3699 10637
TIME...MOT...LOC 1920Z 026DEG 5KT 3707 10651
KTSSpecial Weather Statement National Weather Service Pueblo CO 225 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021 COZ072-073-212100- Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains Between 8500 And 11000 Ft CO- Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains above 11000 Ft CO- 225 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021 ...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTH CENTRAL COSTILLA COUNTY UNTIL 300 PM MDT... At 224 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10 miles southwest of Red Wing, or 11 miles northwest of Spring Burn Scar south of Highway 160 in Costilla county. This storm was nearly stationary. Penny size hail will be possible with this storm. This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of north central Costilla County as it slowly drifts towards Hwy 160. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. && LAT...LON 3764 10539 3760 10532 3750 10545 3754 10552 TIME...MOT...LOC 2024Z 031DEG 2KT 3759 10539 Heavener
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
234 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021
COZ067-068-212130-
Upper Rio Grande Valley/Eastern San Juan Mountains Below 10000 Ft CO-
Eastern San Juan Mountains Above 10000 Ft CO-
234 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021
At 234 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Wolf Creek Pass, or 39 miles north of Dulce, moving southwest at 5
mph. Moderate to heavy rainfall is being produced from a very slow
moving thunderstorm over the San Juan Mountains in southern Mineral
County. Rainfall rates around 1.5" an hour and around 0.75" of rain
has fallen according to radar algorithms.
Locations impacted include...
Wolf Creek Pass.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3755 10713 3764 10699 3755 10672 3740 10672
3739 10707 3739 10713
TIME...MOT...LOC 2034Z 041DEG 5KT 3750 10693
KTSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Pueblo CO
259 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021
COZ081-212145-
Teller County/Rampart Range above 7500fT/Pike's Peak Between 7500 And
11000 Ft CO-
259 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR WEST CENTRAL TELLER COUNTY UNTIL
345 PM MDT...
At 258 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Florissant, or 26 miles west of Colorado Springs, moving southeast at
10 mph.
Nickel size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Florissant.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3892 10508 3877 10517 3880 10533 3894 10533
3897 10532
TIME...MOT...LOC 2058Z 292DEG 8KT 3887 10531
HeavenerSpecial Weather Statement National Weather Service Pueblo CO 340 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021 COZ078>080-212215- Wet Mountains between 6300 and 10000Ft CO- Wet Mountain Valley Below 8500 Ft CO-Wet Mountains above 10000 Ft CO- 340 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021 ...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR CENTRAL CUSTER COUNTY UNTIL 415 PM MDT... At 340 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 13 miles northeast of Crestone Peak, or 16 miles west of Junkins Burn Scar. This storm was nearly stationary. Penny size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Silver Cliff, Westcliffe and Rosita. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. && LAT...LON 3807 10544 3814 10549 3819 10533 3810 10526 TIME...MOT...LOC 2140Z 244DEG 2KT 3811 10542 Heavener
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Pueblo CO 357 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021 COZ081-212245- Teller County/Rampart Range above 7500fT/Pike's Peak Between 7500 And 11000 Ft CO- 357 PM MDT Wed Jul 21 2021 ...SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT... At 356 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Cripple Creek, or 21 miles west of Colorado Springs, moving southeast at 5 mph. Half inch hail will be possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Cripple Creek and Victor. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. && LAT...LON 3875 10529 3883 10521 3875 10506 3866 10516 TIME...MOT...LOC 2156Z 309DEG 5KT 3876 10521 Heavener
The Pueblo radar (KPUX), 117 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:29 UTC.
4 flash flood, 2 heavy rain. Local standard time, as filed.
Hermit road from Highway 69 to 96 was closed due to flooding in several locations.
County road 40 had water wash over with some debris on it from Butter creek, off of the Hayden Pass burn scar.
Flooding of intersection near 3rd and Edwards avenue.
Heavy rainfall of 1.92 inches.
Flash flooding occurred at County lane 6 and Jauvez road in Ft. Garland. Significant torrents of water carved out the road in places.
Heavy rainfall of 1.75 inches.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Colorado in 2021Every state in 2021This day in weather historyWarnings in Colorado, July 2021
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 977424, 977425, 977426, 977428, 977427, 977429.