Jul 20, 2023
An upper level high pressure center was located over central Arizona and central New Mexico which resulted in a favorable pattern for efficient diurnal wind fluctuations including upslope oriented winds towards WFO Pueblo's eastern mountains. Weak waves embedded in the upper level northwesterly flow enhanced the lift and the pattern enhanced the deep shear. The result was a very rare mountainous tornado that was observed at around 9,000 feet.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 1128721). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in El Paso County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.