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Tornado warnings, severe storms hit Eastern Plains

A tornado warning until 7:30 p.m. covered part of Washington County.

ARAPAHOE, Colo. — Severe thunderstorms swept across the Eastern Plains on Wednesday.

A tornado warning that covered central Washington County was issued until 7:30 p.m. 

Another tornado warning was issued until 5:30 p.m. in Morgan County including Fort Morgan, Log Lane Village and Brush. 

Tornado warnings for part of Morgan County and part of Elbert County expired at 4:30 p.m. The Morgan County tornado warning included Goodrich and Weldona, in an area north of Wiggins and Fort Morgan. The Elbert County tornado warning included an unpopulated area south of Agate.

A tornado warning issued for part of Lincoln County including Boyero expired at 4:15 p.m. That area was also under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 4:45 p.m.

A Tornado Warning for parts of Arapahoe and Elbert counties expired at 3:30 p.m. It covered an area south of Interstate 70 and north of Elizabeth and Kiowa. The potential for a tornado was spotted on radar, and golf ball-sized hail was possible.

Broomfield rain photo David J Smith239 Berthoud TrlBroomfield, CO

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What is Severe Weather?

According to the National Weather Service, there are five specific types of weather that can qualify as "severe." They are tornadoes, floods, lightning, hail and wind.

RELATED: What is severe weather?

A thunderstorm is considered severe when winds reach at least 58 mph and/or contains hail at least 1" in diameter. When these conditions are met, the NWS will issue a severe thunderstorm warning.

RELATED: How is hail formed?

Lightning and heavy rain are not included, but often accompany severe thunderstorms.

The National Weather Service will issue a flash flood warning when the flooding is already occurring or imminent. A flash flood watch means that conditions are favorable for a flash flood and those in the area should keep a close watch.

A tornado watch is issued by the NWS when they determine that weather conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes. They usually last for a long time, cover a large area and begin well before any tornadoes or other severe weather begin. 

A tornado warning is issued if a tornado is indicated by radar or reported by weather spotters. They are generally for a much smaller area and only last for about 30 minutes. If a tornado warning is issued in your area, you should seek shelter immediately.

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