By Shaul Turner | Fox31
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — Hundreds of thousands of residents are concerned about fair warning when it comes to tornadoes in Colorado. While some counties have siren systems in place, others rely on alert systems.
Whether out on the plains or in more populated communities, tornadoes can strike within a matter of minutes after high winds are detected. Justin Anderson told FOX31 he remembers the tornado that touched down in Highlands Ranch in June of 2023, damaging homes and the South Metro Fire Rescue Station Number 17 on South University Boulevard.
“One of our trees almost fell all the way over,” said Anderson.
Many who are new to Colorado or are visiting say they only expect tornadoes to occur along the eastern plains and are shocked to learn that tornadoes have touched down in Parker and Highlands Ranch.
“We didn’t know they had tornadoes down here,” said one resident.
To even the score, several Colorado counties have siren systems in place. Sometimes adjustments are required. Brighton’s system was tested in 2021 after residents said they could not hear the sirens.
Douglas County told FOX31 it does not use sirens, but every resident has access to tornado alerts via the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts) notifications, social media, and NOAA weather radios.