UPDATE 5:08 PM: Watches and warnings continue to evolve as the weather system continues to move eastward. A tornado watch remains in effect for much of southern and eastern Colorado, including Pueblo and El Paso Counties until 9:00 PM. Flood warnings remain in effect for portions of El Paso, Pueblo, Otero and Bent Counties. Winter storm warnings are in effect for northeastern El Paso County, Teller County, and north into Douglas County, among other regions. Highway 24 is currently open, and the Red Cross has closed its shelter in Manitou Springs.
UPDATE 4:18/4:29 PM: Watches and warnings continue to evolve. A new tornado warning for Lincoln County until 4:45. Tornado confirmed near Eads. Tornado warning issued at 4:24 for north central Kiowa County until 5:00. The previous tornado warning in El Paso has been allowed to expire, however, the National Weather Service says heavy rain is still possible. Much of southern Colorado remains under a tornado watch until 9 PM.
UPDATE 3:40 PM: Tornado warning for southeastern El Paso County until 4:15, including Truckton, Ellicott, and Yoder. A tornado has been spotted on the ground.
The tornado warning in Pueblo County has expired. Highway 24 has reopened.
Tornado continues on the ground south of Ellicott. If you live in Ellicott, Yoder, or Truckton get underground #COwx pic.twitter.com/fwUT1NJ9g6
— Christine Rapp (@ChristineRappwx) May 9, 2015
UPDATE 3:20 PM: Severe weather continues across southern Colorado, including a tornado warning for portions of Pueblo County and El Paso County until 3:45. A flash flood warning remains in effect for Pueblo until 5 PM. A new severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for north eastern Crowley County and west central Kiowa County until 3:45 PM. The flash flood warning for the Waldo Canyon burn scar has been allowed to expire.
UPDATE 3:10 PM: Tornado warning for north central Pueblo County and south central El Paso County extended until 3:45.
UPDATE 2:50 PM: Tornado warning issued and extended for central Pueblo County and south central El Paso County until 3:15PM. Conditions continue to change.
Original Post:
Conditions are changing rapidly as severe weather continues across Colorado. The National Weather Service has issued a series of watches and warnings:
Tornado watch until 9 PM in El Paso County, Pueblo County, and eastern Colorado.
Tornado warning for northeastern Pueblo County until 3 PM.
Flash flood warning for the Waldo Canyon burn scar until 3:15.
Severe thunderstorm warning until 3:15 PM for Pueblo.
Highway 24 is closed from Cave of the Winds to Cascade. The Red Cross has opened an evacuation shelter at the Historic Congregational Church in Manitou Springs at 103 Pawnee Avenue.