In brief
Over the weekend, southeastern Utah experienced a rare occurrence of tornadoes, resulting in the destruction of several homes but, fortunately, no injuries. The twisters struck San Juan County near Montezuma Creek, devastating three homes on the Navajo Nation. Authorities are currently assessing the damage, with reports of missing livestock and pets. Tornadoes are rare in this region, marking only the third confirmed incident since 1950.
MONTICELLO, Utah (AP) — Tornadoes wreaked havoc in southeastern Utah over the weekend, with all reports indicating that no injuries were sustained. Starting around 12:35 p.m. Saturday, a storm rolled through San Juan County, producing two tornadoes within the span of an hour, according to Kris Sanders, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, Colorado. The tornadoes, which touched down near Montezuma Creek, are believed to have covered paths of less than 10 miles (16 kilometers), although the exact tracks and wind speeds have yet to be determined as surveys are planned. In a social media update, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren confirmed that three homes were completely demolished in the storm. The extensive Navajo Nation reservation, spanning 27,000 square miles (70,000 square kilometers) across Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, is the largest reservation for any Native American tribe. While no injuries were reported, the Navajo Police Department noted missing livestock and pets, highlighting the storm's impact on the community. Images from the police department illustrate the powerful tornado surrounded by dark storm clouds, along with a flattened home amidst debris. According to Sanders, tornadoes are quite uncommon in this part of Utah, with only two confirmed incidents recorded since 1950.
