Tornado outbreak causes widespread damage in Colorado and Kansas
Nearly 30 tornadoes were reported across five states on Sunday, May 18, 2025, with Kansas and Colorado experiencing the most significant damage. Multiple homes and structures were destroyed as tornadoes overturned vehicles, downed power lines, and scattered debris, prompting emergency alerts in several areas.
Tornado touches down near Bennett, Colorado on May 18, 2025. Credit: Adams County Sheriff's Office (Colorado)
At least 29 tornadoes were reported across five states on Sunday, causing widespread damage in Colorado and Kansas. According to preliminary data, at least 16 tornadoes touched down in Kansas, 4 in Colorado, 4 in Oklahoma and Nebraska combined, and 1 in Texas.
Severe damage was reported in the community of Grinnell in Gove County, Kansas. Visuals of the storm’s aftermath showed destruction and damage to several structures, including homes and outbuildings.
The tornado blew the roof off the Catholic Church in Grinnell. Meanwhile, downed power lines caused closures on I-70, eastbound from Colby to Grinnell and westbound from Hays to Grinnell.
Full video of huge wedge and then stovepipe near Scott City, KS. The tornado caused substantial damage along I-70 near Grinell, KS. Looked like a couple vehicles got tossed. #kswx pic.twitter.com/zSKa9tcwyO
— Tyler Kurtz (@tornadokurtzman) May 19, 2025
Multiple homes on the outskirts of Plevna were completely destroyed by a tornado. Meanwhile, a possible tornado derailed train cars east of Greensburg off Highway 400.
Some storm chasers and meteorologists suggested that the tornado near Greensburg may have reached EF-5 intensity, though this assessment has not yet been confirmed by the National Weather Service.
Tornado Emergency | Kansas Tragedy Unfolds
— Sumit (@EpicBeanster) May 19, 2025
A massive tornado hit Plevna—homes destroyed, one man possibly trapped in rubble.
Greensburg under emergency alert.
No injuries confirmed yet in Greensburg
Nature’s fury reminds us how fragile everything truly is#kswx #Greensburg https://t.co/uszsernJra pic.twitter.com/dcrP3zQ0es
'Extremely violent' US tornado terror tosses vehicles like confetti
— Moh Musthafa Hussain (@musthafaaa) May 19, 2025
Aftermath footage spreading across social media shows epic power of storms in Kansas, as life-threatening tornado emergency declared in Greensburg#US #Kansas #Tornado
RT pic.twitter.com/IdQWr6cS21
Dozens of homes were damaged in Colorado as tornadoes moved through parts of the state. Elbert County officials reported that at least 19 homes were damaged or destroyed near the town of Elizabeth.
In Adams County, damage was reported near two locations: North Harback Road and East 38th Avenue, and near East 64th Avenue and Highway 79.
Tornado damage in Elbert county, Colorado on May 18, 2025. Image credit: Elizabeth Fire- Tornado damage in Elbert county, Colorado on May 18, 2025. Image credit: Elizabeth Fire
- Tornado damage in Elbert county, Colorado on May 18, 2025. Image credit: Elizabeth Fire
- Fire department units at the scene of tornado damage in Elbert County, Colorado on May 18, 2025. Image credit: Elizabeth Fire
According to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, 17 homes or structures were damaged or destroyed. Power remained out in the area, with no estimated time of restoration.
According to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, a tornado touched down at least three times near the town of Bennett. A Code Red Alert was issued to residents.
- Tornado touches down near Bennett in Colorado, on May 18, 2025. Credit: Arapahoe Sheriffs office
- Tornado touches down near Bennett in Colorado, on May 18, 2025. Credit: Arapahoe Sheriffs Office
- Tornado touches down near Bennett in Colorado, on May 18, 2025. Credit: Arapahoe Sheriffs Office
Nearly 900 flights were delayed and at least 13 were cancelled at Denver International Airport through Sunday due to the storms.
While the storm threat has ended for most of the affected areas, and rescue recovery operations continue, the full aftermath is yet to be assessed.
The storms came right after tornadoes ripped through the Midwest on Friday night, spawning multiple tornadoes, claiming over two dozen lives.
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I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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