Preliminary Rating of EF0 for Fountain, Colorado Tornado, May 19, 2011

A damage survey was conducted by the Meteorologist-in-Charge of the National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado. The damage was consistent with high end EF0 winds of approximately 85 mph. The estimated time of occurrence was from 4:23 p.m. MDT to 4:29 p.m. MDT. The tornado path length was approximately 3/4 of a mile, and the damage path width was approximately 30 yards.

The damage was confined to one dwelling, outbuildings and a camper trailer. Photographic and video evidence demonstrate that there was only one tornado.

As was touched upon in forecast discussions and products earlier this week, conditions have been favorable for weak tornados this week. In this case, a landspout tornado resulted.

Below are some images of the damage and the tornado...

(Above) - Damage to the front of the home showing damage to the soffitt

(Above) - Damage to garage door which was east facing

(Above) - Roof damage on the rear of the house.

(Above) - Camper trailer rolled and destroyed.

Thousands of people likely saw this landspout tornado. There are a variety of images and videos that can be found.