The Deadliest Tornado in Colorado History Happened 100 Years Ago

Severe weather season is upon us in Colorado. That means hail, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes could all be possible this time of year. These storms can wreak havoc on crops, and property and even be deadly in certain situations.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an estimated 1,200 tornadoes touch down in North America every year and some states and counties see higher concentrations of tornadic activity than other states. While these states may get more tornadoes, it doesn't mean that any other states in the nation are immune to the possibility of a storm that can produce a tornado.

Colorado has had its fair share of tornadoes over the years. The most destructive tornado that has ever happened in Colorado occurred on May 22, 2008, when an EF3 tornado ripped through 24 miles of western Weld County for more than 30 minutes. This tornado tore through the town of Windsor and caused an estimated $147 million in damages. According to the Coloradoan, one person was killed and 78 people were injured in the storm.

The deadliest tornado in Colorado's History

If you head east from Denver about 110 miles, you will reach a small town called Thurman. This tiny Colorado town was the place where the most deadly tornado in Colorado's history claimed the lives of 11 people.

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On Sunday, August 10, 1924, an estimated EF4 tornado touched down southwest of Thurman and tracked east northeast toward the farm of Henry Kuhns. A gathering at the Kuhns farm had 27 people in attendance that day. When the tornado hit the farm, it killed 10 people instantly. One of the victims in the tornado died of their injuries four months later.

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Out of the eleven victims of the Thurman tornado, nine of them were children with ages ranging from 1 to 15. To this day, the Thurman tornado of 1924 is the deadliest tornado on record in Colorado.