MONTICELLO, Utah (AP) — Tornadoes wreaked havoc on the landscape of southeastern Utah over the weekend, leaving several homes in ruins while authorities reported that no injuries occurred.
According to meteorologist Kris Sanders from the National Weather Service’s Grand Junction, Colorado office, a severe storm produced two tornadoes in San Juan County within an hour, beginning around 12:35 p.m. on Saturday.
The tornadoes, which touched down near Montezuma Creek, are believed to have traveled a path of less than 10 miles, although their specific tracks and wind speeds are yet to be confirmed by the weather service, which plans to conduct a survey.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren announced via social media that three homes were completely demolished in the storm. The area affected is part of the expansive 27,000-square-mile Navajo reservation, which spans into Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, making it the largest indigenous reservation in the U.S.
While there are no reported human casualties, the Navajo Police Department raised concerns about missing livestock and pets as a result of the storm. Accompanying images shared by the police depicted a monumental tornado surrounded by dark storm clouds, as well as a flattened house littered with debris.
Tornadoes are a rare phenomenon in this part of Utah, with only two confirmed incidents since 1950, said meteorologist Sanders.
According to meteorologist Kris Sanders from the National Weather Service’s Grand Junction, Colorado office, a severe storm produced two tornadoes in San Juan County within an hour, beginning around 12:35 p.m. on Saturday.
The tornadoes, which touched down near Montezuma Creek, are believed to have traveled a path of less than 10 miles, although their specific tracks and wind speeds are yet to be confirmed by the weather service, which plans to conduct a survey.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren announced via social media that three homes were completely demolished in the storm. The area affected is part of the expansive 27,000-square-mile Navajo reservation, which spans into Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, making it the largest indigenous reservation in the U.S.
While there are no reported human casualties, the Navajo Police Department raised concerns about missing livestock and pets as a result of the storm. Accompanying images shared by the police depicted a monumental tornado surrounded by dark storm clouds, as well as a flattened house littered with debris.
Tornadoes are a rare phenomenon in this part of Utah, with only two confirmed incidents since 1950, said meteorologist Sanders.
