Tornadoes and Hail in Colorado, May 10, 2023

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO
930 PM MDT Tue May 9 2023

.UPDATE...
Issued at 930 PM MDT Tue May 9 2023

Atmosphere certainly made due with the environment it was given
this evening. Most of the thunderstorms have weakened and exited
to the north and east with the exception of one severe
thunderstorm moving northeast into SW Morgan County. Made some
minor adjustments to the PoPs. Some CAMs are still holding onto
the idea for a later round of elevated convection later
tonight. Original forecast is on track for tomorrow with the
threat of thunderstorms and some strong to severe ones. Hi-res
guidance is again still changing by the run displying uncertainty
in the evolution of the convection, but is overall still
displaying the big picture of numerous storms across the region
tomorrow afternoon. There is still that limiter of how the morning
stratus will inhibit the instability for the day with model
soundings exhibiting a strongly capped atmosphere into the
afternoon. Better forcing with the approaching trough should
counteract this later that afternoon.
&&

.SHORT TERM...(This evening through Wednesday)
Issued at 313 PM MDT Tue May 9 2023

...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM POTENTIAL INCREASING WEDNESDAY...

Key Messages...
1. A conditional threat of severe weather still
exists this evening through most of the overnight hours across the
I-25 corridor and eastern plains

2. A more organized round of severe storms appears likely
Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday evening... with all severe
hazards possible...

An approaching trough axis will bring a variety of weather
hazards to Colorado over the next few days... with severe weather,
heavy rain, and mountain snow possible through the end of the
week. RAP Mesoanalysis and water vapor satellite show the center
of this upper trough just off central California coast this
afternoon. Broad southwesterly flow aloft is present ahead of this
trough axis, and the flow should strengthen and slowly back to
the south-southwest through tomorrow afternoon. This trough should
continue to progress eastward, eventually transitioning to a more
negatively tilted trough axis by Wednesday evening.

Before getting into Wednesday's details... we can't forget about
tonight's more conditional severe threat. ML/MUCAPE is expected to
increase this evening and into the early overnight hours as
better low-level moisture streams back into the region, with an
EML/steep lapse rates aloft. Recent CAMs have gradually come on
board with isolated to scattered storms developing near the best
moisture convergence (I-25 corridor) this evening, shifting this
activity into the northeastern plains overnight. With MLCAPE
values increasing to 1000-1500 J/kg with deep layer shear near
40-50kt... large hail would certainly be a threat tonight, along
with a marginal severe wind threat. However, guidance has
struggled handling sfc moisture throughout the day, and has
largely been inconsistent with convective initiation/evolution
overnight. We may be stuck in "wait and see mode" for quite some
time, but the SPC's marginal risk appears well-justified.

Any elevated convection overnight tonight should be out of the
area by Wednesday morning. Moisture advection should still be
ongoing with at least some low stratus across the plains, with dew
points sitting near 50F... setting the stage for a potentially
widespread severe weather event across the Colorado plains. From a
ingredients-based perspective, this does check most (if not all)
of the boxes for Colorado severe weather: (1) A strong, negatively
tilted trough axis approaching from the southwest, (2) ample
boundary layer moisture, (3) synoptic scale ascent from upper
level height falls/PVA, (4) moderate instability and shear.
Largely straight line hodographs would support both hail and
damaging wind threats from both left/right split supercells, with
a tornado risk also accompanying the latter of these two splits.

However... there is still quite a bit of uncertainty, and several
things that could deviate from our current forecast. The ongoing
struggles with the handling of tonight's convection leaves a lot
of questions regarding the evolution of the low-level moisture
across the area overnight. There's also the possibility that low
cloud cover remains too thick Wednesday morning, leading to poor
surface heating (and thus, stronger capping/weaker instability) in
the afternoon. And, like in almost any severe weather event here,
there is still questions about the overall convective evolution
through the afternoon hours. Still, the general thought remains
unchanged from last night... with scattered supercells developing
near noon, with gradual upscale growth through the evening hours.
A lot can change in 12-24 hours... so users are encouraged to
check back for frequent updates.

.LONG TERM...(Wednesday night through Tuesday)
Issued at 223 PM MDT Tue May 9 2023

An upper level storm system will move from nwrn New Mexico into sern
CO by Thu morning and then track slowly northeast into far ern
CO/wrn KS by Thu night.  Cross-sections show favorable QG ascent and
lapse rates will affect the area Wed night thru Thu night with
abundant moisture.

Showers and tstms will become numerous Wed night with some potential
for svr storms Wed evening across the plains.  On Thu, rain and
tstms will continue with areas of heavy rain possible thru Thu
night.

By Fri morning, the storm system will be located over far nern
CO/swrn NE.  Current data shows precip continuing on the back side
of the upper level low mainly along the I-25 Corridor into the
higher terrain.  There certainly is potential for heavy snow, in the
mtns above 10000 ft, Thu aftn thru Fri morning north of I-70.

Total rainfall amounts from both the ECMWF and GFS show 1 to 3
inches possible across portions of the plains, I-25 Corridor and
foothills thru Fri morning.

For Fri aftn thru Fri night the upper level low weaken and will move
away from the area.  As a result, precip chances should gradually
decrease by Fri aftn over the region.

On Sat, a secondary piece of energy will move into WY.  There are
significant differences on how this feature is handled this weekend.
The ECMWF moves it westward into Idaho by Sun while the GFS has it
moving into Utah.  Both models show lingering moisture affecting the
area as a surge of cooler air moves in behind a cold front.  Overall
it looks cool and somewhat unsettled with a chc of showers and a few
storms.  It appears most of this activity would occur over the
higher terrain.

By early next week, an upper level ridge will develop over the area.
This should lead to a drier pattern with temperatures near seasonal
levels.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 00Z TAFS through 00Z Wednesday evening)
Issued at 610 PM MDT Tue May 9 2023

A few storms are starting to pop in the vicinity of the terminals.
A few may be capable of gusty outflow winds. As higher moisture
moves in from the east tonight, there will be a threat for lower
clouds and perhaps another shot at convection late tonight. Timing
of the lower stratus remains uncertain and will depend on if
convection does develop in this late evening timeframe, but will
stick with 06-09z period for this to develop. Stratus continues
through the morning hours, eroding mid to late morning.

Main concern for Wednesday will be the thunderstorm potential in
the afternoon. Some uncertainty in the timing of first initiation
of storms. There should be storms initiating after 20z. There is a
threat for strong to sever storms as well which may entail gusty
winds and hail.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 223 PM MDT Tue May 9 2023

Near critical to critical fire weather conditions have been
observed across the Red Flag Warning area. This will remain in
effect until 7PM when moisture begins to increase. Fire danger
will decrease Wednesday through the rest of next week.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Issued at 223 PM MDT Tue May 9 2023

Increasing coverage of showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday will
lead to at least a minor risk of flash flooding across the burn
areas Wednesday.

There will be some risk of flash flooding in the burn scars
Wednesday night into Thursday due to the potential for heavier
rainfall.  At this time it appears Cameron Peak would be the most
favored.

&&

.BOU WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.
&&

UPDATE...Mensch
SHORT TERM...Hiris
LONG TERM...RPK
AVIATION...Mensch
FIRE WEATHER...Hiris
HYDROLOGY...Hiris/RPK

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO
1043 AM MDT Tue May 9 2023

COZ030>051-101645-
Jackson County Below 9000 Feet-
West Jackson and West Grand Counties Above 9000 Feet-
Grand and Summit Counties Below 9000 Feet-
South and East Jackson/Larimer/North and Northeast Grand/
Northwest Boulder Counties Above 9000 Feet-
South and Southeast Grand/West Central and Southwest Boulder/
Gilpin/Clear Creek/Summit/North and West Park Counties Above
9000 Feet-Larimer and Boulder Counties Between 6000 and 9000 Feet-
Jefferson and West Douglas Counties Above 6000 Feet/Gilpin/Clear
Creek/Northeast Park Counties Below 9000 Feet-
Central and Southeast Park County-
Larimer County Below 6000 Feet/Northwest Weld County-
Boulder And Jefferson Counties Below 6000 Feet/West Broomfield
County-
North Douglas County Below 6000 Feet/Denver/West Adams and
Arapahoe Counties/East Broomfield County-
Elbert/Central and East Douglas Counties Above 6000 Feet-
Northeast Weld County-Central and South Weld County-Morgan County-
Central and East Adams and Arapahoe Counties-
North and Northeast Elbert County Below 6000 Feet/North Lincoln
County-
Southeast Elbert County Below 6000 Feet/South Lincoln County-
Logan County-Washington County-Sedgwick County-Phillips County-
1043 AM MDT Tue May 9 2023

This hazardous weather outlook is for northeast and north central
Colorado.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Critical fire weather conditions are expected in parts of Park
county, the southern foothills, and the Palmer Divide where the
combination of wind gusts up to 25 mph and relative humidity near
15% could lead to fire spread. A Red Flag Warning is in effect
from 11 AM MDT to 7 PM MDT.

There is a marginal risk of severe storms across the urban
corridor and plains this evening through much of the overnight
hours. The primary threat would be large hail, with heavy rain and
gusty winds also possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

Severe thunderstorms containing damaging winds, large hail, and a
few tornadoes are possible Wednesday afternoon and evening from
the I-25 corridor and eastward.

Heavier rains are possible Thursday across portions of the
region, possibly impacting our area burn scars.

High elevation heavy snow is expected on Thursday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter reports of hail, strong wind gusts and rainfall would be
appreciated.

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DENVER CO
1046 PM MDT TUE MAY 9 2023

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

1035 PM     HAIL             3 N NIWOT               40.14N 105.15W
05/09/2023  M1.00 INCH       BOULDER            CO   TRAINED SPOTTER

&&

GH

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Denver CO
1057 PM MDT Tue May 9 2023

COZ044-100530-
Morgan County CO-
1057 PM MDT Tue May 9 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern Morgan
County through 1130 PM MDT...

At 1056 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 5
miles northwest of Adena, or 16 miles southwest of Fort Morgan,
moving northeast at 10 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of southwestern Morgan
County, which includes Hoyt Beet Dump.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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 4014 10380 4005 10384 4000 10393 4000 10403
      4011 10407 4027 10396
TIME...MOT...LOC 0456Z 219DEG 9KT 4006 10396

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH

DIRENZO

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DENVER CO
1122 PM MDT TUE MAY 9 2023

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

1110 PM     HAIL             3 N ERIE                40.07N 105.05W
05/09/2023  M1.75 INCH       WELD               CO   NWS EMPLOYEE

&&

GH

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DENVER CO
1123 PM MDT TUE MAY 9 2023

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

1120 PM     HAIL             2 NW FREDERICK          40.12N 104.96W
05/09/2023  M1.25 INCH       WELD               CO   NWS EMPLOYEE

&&

GH

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DENVER CO
1224 AM MDT WED MAY 10 2023

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

1202 AM     HAIL             1 W FIRESTONE           40.12N 104.96W
05/10/2023  M1.25 INCH       WELD               CO   TRAINED SPOTTER

            W1654.

1150 PM     HAIL             ERIE                    40.03N 105.05W
05/09/2023  E1.75 INCH       WELD               CO   PUBLIC

            FROM TWITTER, WITH PICTURE. CAR WINDOWS
            BROKEN.

1133 PM     HAIL             2 NW FREDERICK          40.12N 104.96W
05/09/2023  M2.00 INCH       WELD               CO   NWS EMPLOYEE

1120 PM     HAIL             2 NW FREDERICK          40.12N 104.96W
05/09/2023  M1.25 INCH       WELD               CO   NWS EMPLOYEE

1120 PM     HAIL             2 NNE ERIE              40.05N 105.03W
05/09/2023  M2.00 INCH       WELD               CO   TRAINED SPOTTER

            W1187.

1118 PM     HAIL             3 WSW FREDERICK         40.09N 105.00W
05/09/2023  U2.00 INCH       WELD               CO   PUBLIC

            REPORT FROM MPING: HEN EGG (2.00 IN.).

1117 PM     HAIL             2 N LONGMONT            40.20N 105.11W
05/09/2023  U2.00 INCH       BOULDER            CO   PUBLIC

            REPORT FROM MPING: HEN EGG (2.00 IN.).

1110 PM     HAIL             3 N ERIE                40.07N 105.05W
05/09/2023  M1.75 INCH       WELD               CO   NWS EMPLOYEE

1110 PM     HAIL             ERIE                    40.03N 105.05W
05/09/2023  E1.50 INCH       WELD               CO   PUBLIC

            FROM TWITTER, WITH PICTURES.

1051 PM     HAIL             LONGMONT                40.17N 105.11W
05/09/2023  U1.75 INCH       BOULDER            CO   PUBLIC

            REPORT FROM MPING: GOLF BALL (1.75 IN.).

1045 PM     HAIL             2 N LONGMONT            40.20N 105.11W
05/09/2023  M1.00 INCH       BOULDER            CO   COCORAHS

            CO-BO-143.

1038 PM     HAIL             1 WNW NIWOT             40.10N 105.17W
05/09/2023  M1.00 INCH       BOULDER            CO   TRAINED SPOTTER

1035 PM     HAIL             3 N NIWOT               40.14N 105.15W
05/09/2023  M1.00 INCH       BOULDER            CO   TRAINED SPOTTER

1035 PM     HAIL             2 SSE HYGIENE           40.15N 105.15W
05/09/2023  M1.00 INCH       BOULDER            CO   TRAINED SPOTTER

0950 PM     HAIL             HOYT BEET DUMP          40.07N 104.05W
05/09/2023  M2.50 INCH       MORGAN             CO   TRAINED SPOTTER

            BETWEEN GOLF BALL TO TENNIS BALL.

0755 PM     HAIL             TIMNATH                 40.53N 104.98W
05/09/2023  M1.00 INCH       LARIMER            CO   PUBLIC

            FROM TWITTER.

0735 PM     HAIL             5 ESE LOCHBUIE          39.97N 104.64W
05/09/2023  M1.75 INCH       ADAMS              CO   TRAINED SPOTTER

            FROM TWITTER.

0723 PM     HAIL             BRIGHTON                39.99N 104.80W
05/09/2023  M1.00 INCH       ADAMS              CO   TRAINED SPOTTER

            AD1150?.

0710 PM     HAIL             1 NE BRIGHTON           39.99N 104.78W
05/09/2023  M1.00 INCH       ADAMS              CO   TRAINED SPOTTER

            VIA SPOTTERNETWORK.ORG, NOT THE LARGEST
            STONE.

0656 PM     HAIL             4 S COMMERCE CITY       39.76N 104.91W
05/09/2023  M0.88 INCH       DENVER             CO   TRAINED SPOTTER

            DE712.

0623 PM     HAIL             3 WNW HENDERSON         39.93N 104.91W
05/09/2023  M0.75 INCH       ADAMS              CO   TRAINED SPOTTER

            AD1166.

0612 PM     HAIL             2 NE THORNTON           39.91N 104.92W
05/09/2023  M1.00 INCH       ADAMS              CO   PUBLIC

            FROM TWITTER, WITH PHOTO.

&&

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DENVER CO
109 AM MDT WED MAY 10 2023

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

0109 AM     HAIL             KERSEY                  40.38N 104.56W
05/10/2023  M1.00 INCH       WELD               CO   TRAINED SPOTTER

&&

GH