May 18, 2025 — Eastern Colorado was struck by a series of tornadoes on Sunday afternoon, sending residents scrambling for cover and prompting emergency alerts across multiple counties. One of the most powerful and potentially damaging twisters was dramatically captured on a Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) traffic camera as it crossed Interstate 70 between the towns of Bennett and Watkins, just east of Denver.
Meteorologists and storm spotters began tracking supercell thunderstorms developing across the eastern plains of Colorado in the early afternoon. By mid-afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) had issued multiple tornado warnings, as radar confirmed rotation in several storms. The most significant tornado of the day was seen forming just outside of Bennett, a small town approximately 30 miles east of Denver, and quickly intensified as it moved in a northeasterly direction.
The tornado, which appeared large and well-formed in video footage, touched down near Interstate 70, a major east-west thoroughfare, and was captured on a CDOT traffic camera near mile marker 304. The footage shows the tornado crossing the highway in open fields, sending debris swirling into the air and visibly impacting traffic as vehicles pulled off the road or reversed course to avoid its path. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a deep, rumbling roar as the funnel cloud moved across the landscape.
The National Weather Service described the tornado as “potentially capable of causing significant damage,” and preliminary assessments suggest it may have reached EF2 or EF3 intensity on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with estimated wind speeds between 111 and 165 mph. Damage surveys are expected to be conducted in the coming days to confirm the tornado’s strength and assess its impact.
Local emergency services responded quickly to the area, checking for injuries and evaluating damage to structures, vehicles, and farmland. While no fatalities had been reported as of Sunday evening, several outbuildings and homes in rural areas between Bennett and Watkins were reportedly damaged or destroyed. Utility crews also responded to downed power lines and outages affecting hundreds of residents.
Governor Jared Polis issued a statement late Sunday, thanking first responders and emergency crews for their swift actions and urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant. “This severe weather event reminds us of the power and unpredictability of nature,” the statement read. “Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by today’s storms, and we are committed to providing the necessary support and resources for recovery.”
Several schools in Adams and Arapahoe counties announced delays or closures for Monday, citing concerns about road conditions, debris, and continued severe weather potential. The NWS warned that the same weather system could bring additional storms to the region into the evening and overnight hours, and residents were advised to monitor local weather alerts and have emergency plans in place.
Tornado season in Colorado typically peaks in late spring and early summer, with the eastern plains particularly vulnerable due to their geography and atmospheric conditions. While tornadoes are not uncommon in this region, the dramatic footage of Sunday’s event — coupled with the twister’s proximity to a major interstate and population centers — underscored the importance of preparedness and timely weather warnings.
As cleanup begins and damage assessments continue, state and local officials are expected to coordinate with FEMA and other federal agencies to determine if a disaster declaration or further aid will be necessary.
Residents are encouraged to report storm damage to local authorities and to seek shelter immediately in the event of further tornado warnings. For updated information, the NWS Denver/Boulder office and CDOT continue to provide real-time updates via social media and official websites.