Weather Alert: Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued August 30 at 11:22PM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO

Area: La Junta Vicinity/Otero County; Western Kiowa County; Las Animas Vicinity/Bent County

Severity: Moderate
Urgency: Expected
Certainty: Observed

Effective: Aug 30, 2026 11:22 pm MDT
Starts: Aug 30, 2026 11:22 pm MDT
Ends: Aug 31, 2026 12:00 am MDT
NWS product expires: Aug 31, 2026 12:00 am MDT

Affected Area Map

Approximate affected forecast zones from National Weather Service data. Hazard color follows the National Weather Service hazards map color table.

Details

At 1121 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Las Animas to near Higbee. Movement was
northeast at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Heavy rain, wind gusts 40 to 50 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.

Locations impacted include...
Las Animas, McClave, Higbee, Hasty, John Martin Reservoir, Fort Lyon,
and Caddoa.

Recommended Action

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

Source: National Weather Service.