Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms.  In the last decade, Colorado has averaged around 60 tornadoes a year.  Increasing population, improved communications, and more trained spotters have all resulted in more reported tornadoes each decade since 1960.

Frequently, hail, along with tornadoes, is associated with severe summer storms, which occur regularly from spring through the fall within Northeastern Colorado.  Northeastern Colorado has experienced an average of 16 tornadoes per year.  These storms cause major agricultural losses. From 1950-2003, Morgan County had 17 reported occurrences involving hail 2” in diameter or greater.

Tornado Watch - Means those conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop.  It is normally issued by the National Weather Service for 4 to 6 hours and includes many counties.  If you are in or near the tornado watch area, stay informed via National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Fort Morgan area siren/voice overcast system, the local radio stations (KFTM/1400 AM; KSIR/106.3 FM), television (cable override system), or a computer desktop weather alert station (access through the Internet).  Keep your eye on the sky, and be prepared to take cover at short notice, as tornadoes can occur with little or no warning.

Tornado Warning - Means that a tornado has been sighted or a developing tornado is reported by trained spotters or indicated on Doppler radar.  A warning is typically issued for a small area for less than an hour.  If a tornado warning is issued in your area, take cover immediately.

If a tornado warning is issued for the Morgan County area, local trained weather spotters are sent out to check for specific sightings.  Those spotters update the Morgan County Communications Center immediately on the specific locations of tornadic activity.  The Communications Center asks that local residents NOT call 9-1-1 to report sightings or to gather information.  If a warning needs to be issued for the Fort Morgan area, the area siren will sound and the voice overcast system will be heard.

Tornado Shelter - The City of Fort Morgan does not have a designated tornado shelter.

During a tornado:

• Go to a tornado safe room or a room at the lowest level of your home; i.e., a windowless interior room, storm cellar, bathroom or basement.

• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture (workbench or heavy table) and hang on to it.

• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

• If you live in a mobile home, leave your mobile home.  Take shelter in a sturdy well-built building with a strong foundation.  If no shelter is available, lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the mobile home.

If at work or school:

• Go to the area designated in your tornado plan.

• Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways or malls.

If outdoors:

• Get inside, if possible.

• If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building.

If in a car:

• Never try to out-run a tornado.

• Get out of the car immediately and take shelter.

• If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and seek a low-lying area away from the vehicle.

For more in-depth information on tornadoes, click on this link:

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/edu/safety/tornadoguide.html.