Tornadoes Hit Southeastern Utah
MONTICELLO, Utah (AP) — Tornadoes destroyed several homes in southeastern Utah over the weekend, but authorities said there were no reports of people injured. This rare weather event has left many in the community shocked and concerned about the damage caused.
When and Where Did the Tornadoes Occur?
A storm produced two tornadoes in San Juan County in southeastern Utah over the span of an hour starting around 12:35 p.m. Saturday, according to meteorologist Kris Sanders with the National Weather Service’s office in Grand Junction, Colorado. The tornadoes touched down near Montezuma Creek, an area that is part of the Navajo Nation reservation.
Path and Impact of the Tornadoes
The paths of the tornadoes that touched down near Montezuma Creek likely covered less than 10 miles (16 kilometers), but the weather service hadn’t yet determined their exact tracks or wind speeds, Sanders said by telephone. A survey may be conducted Monday, he said Sunday. The tornadoes caused significant damage to the area, with three homes being demolished in the storm, according to Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren.
Damage and Aftermath
No injuries were reported, but an unknown number of livestock and pets were reported missing, the Navajo Police Department said in a social media post. Images posted by the department showed the towering column of a tornado surrounded by dark clouds and also a flattened home surrounded by debris. The 27,000-square-mile (70,000-square-kilometer) reservation stretches into Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah and is the largest of any Native American tribe.
Rarity of Tornadoes in the Area
Tornadoes are pretty unusual in that part of Utah, Sanders said, noting that the weather service had only confirmed two there since 1950. This makes the recent tornadoes a rare and unexpected event for the community. The Navajo Nation and surrounding areas are not typically known for their tornado activity, which makes this event even more surprising.
Response and Relief Efforts
The Navajo Nation and local authorities are working together to respond to the disaster and provide relief to those affected. The Navajo Police Department and other emergency services are on the scene, assessing the damage and providing assistance to those in need. The community is coming together to support each other and rebuild after this devastating event.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the tornadoes that hit southeastern Utah over the weekend were a rare and unexpected event that caused significant damage to the area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the community is still recovering from the aftermath. The Navajo Nation and local authorities are working together to provide relief and support to those affected, and the community is coming together to rebuild and recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the tornadoes that hit southeastern Utah:
Q: Where did the tornadoes occur?
A: The tornadoes occurred in San Juan County in southeastern Utah, near Montezuma Creek.
Q: How many tornadoes were there?
A: There were two tornadoes that touched down in the area.
Q: Were there any injuries reported?
A: No, there were no injuries reported, but an unknown number of livestock and pets were reported missing.
Q: How rare are tornadoes in this area?
A: Tornadoes are pretty unusual in this part of Utah, with only two confirmed since 1950.
Q: What is being done to respond to the disaster?
A: The Navajo Nation and local authorities are working together to respond to the disaster and provide relief to those affected.
