By Steven Bonifazi
(WELD COUNTY, Colo.) A landspout tornado touched down Monday in Weld County near Erie, causing damage to five homes, downing power lines and killing at least two calves.
An initial warning was issued for the area surrounding Platteville, including Firestone, Frederick and Fort Lupton Monday at 5:08 p.m., with the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder office, urging people in the area to take cover while the tornado moved west of Platteville.
The Denver Post reports that at least five homes were damaged, with two being destroyed, according to the Weld County Sheriff's Department. There have been no reports of people being injured or killed from the tornado.
The Tornado was first observed from Fort Lupton at 5:02 p.m. and was reportedly dissipated at 5:32 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The tornado moved between Colorado 66 and Weld County Road 42, in the middle of Weld County roads 17 and 13, The Denver Post reports.
Emergency crews from Weld County's Office of Emergency Management assessed damage Monday evening, noting that one home had undergone fire damage that was ignited by a downed power line. The National Weather Service reported that power poles and lines were knocked over near Colorado 66 and Weld County Road 21.
The National Weather Service stated that they will be conducting a damage survey Tuesday to provide further details including the exact path of the tornado as well as damage assessment and Enhanced Fujita (EF) rating, utilized to give the tornado a rating on wind speeds and damage caused.