Colorado Special Weather Statement | Effective 05/17/2026 11:13

Headline: 
Special Weather Statement issued May 17 at 12:13PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
Event: 
Special Weather Statement
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
May 17, 2026 - 11:13am
Expires: 
May 17, 2026 - 11:45am
Description: 
At 1213 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 14 miles southwest of Rangely, or 51 miles southeast of Vernal, moving northeast at 25 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of west central Rio Blanco County. This includes Colorado 139 between mile markers 54 and 68.
Instruction: 
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.
Area Description: 
Lower Yampa River Basin; Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus
Forcast Office: 
NWS Grand Junction CO