DENVER (KDVR) — Tornadoes are rare in Denver weather, and even more rare in the mountains, but they can happen, and have on several occasions in history.
The state is known as “hail alley” due to severe, damaging hail that comes with monsoon season. But nearly half of the state is the Eastern Plains, part of “tornado alley,” where the most damaging tornadoes occur.
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There are usually around 53 tornadoes in the state each year of varying intensities. According to the National Weather Service, all but 5% of them happen east of Interstate 25, and most of the minority occur between the foothills and I-25, but on the rare occasion, twisters can happen in the high country.
Denver and areas toward the mountains are not likely to see tornadoes, and they are especially rare in the high country where there is a cooler and more stable environment. Warmer, more humid air is ideal for tornadoes on the Eastern Plains…