SAN JUAN COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) Two tornadoes touched down in southeastern Utah’s San Juan County early Saturday afternoon.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Junction, Colo., issued two Tornado Warnings that included parts of Utah. The NWS issued the first warning at 12:46 p.m. MDT, which included the area of southeastern San Juan County.

A confirmed tornado was located seven miles northeast of Montezuma Creek, or 22 miles southeast of Blanding, Utah. This tornadic thunderstorm spanned over rural areas of San Juan County, including Hovenweep National Monument, and was confirmed by law enforcement in the area.

The warning was extended until after 2 p.m. as the tornado tracked northeast into Colorado. Photos shared by local affiliate KTVX viewer Allyen Allen show the storm passing through non-populated areas of San Juan County. Emergency management indicated hail an inch in diameter was also observed.

“Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter,” the NWS stated. “Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.”

A second tornado touched down in the northeastern portion of San Juan County shortly after the first, at 1:41 p.m. This tornado was radar-indicated and occurred about 16 miles east of Monticello, Utah. This tornado was closer to the Utah/Colorado state line and moved into southwest Colorado shortly after 2 p.m.  

Both of these tornadoes formed in Utah, touched the ground, and tracked northeast across the state line into Colorado. These storms occurred as a large, slow-moving upper-level low lifted northeast over Utah and Wyoming Saturday morning. The Four Corners region has been moisture-rich the last few days, with plenty of wind shear present and clearing skies Saturday afternoon, which increased CAPE, or “convective available potential energy.” Higher CAPE values indicate greater instability and a higher likelihood of severe storms with heavy rain, damaging wind, and large hail.

Tornado in southern Utah (Courtesy of Navajo Nation Police)

Utah averages about two tornadoes a year, typically in rural areas. These two tornadoes would be the second and third tornadoes in the state this year. On July 12, a fire-induced tornado developed within the Deer Creek wildfire near La Sal, Utah. The fire-nado was on the ground for approximately 12 minutes and didn’t move much; it was almost stationary. Dwellings and outbuildings in the area sustained a mix of fire and wind damage. Wind damage sustained by the remaining structures not burned by fires resulted in the tornado being given an EF-2 rating. Residents were evacuated before the tornado, and no injuries were sustained by fire personnel.