This Is Severe Weather Awareness Week In Colorado

 This week is Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week. And although the Midwest has been hammered with lots of severe weather already this season, Colorado's severe weather season is right around the corner.

Once we get to the month of April we can typically begin to see a few strong thunderstorms fire up. But, in an average year the prime time for severe thunderstorms is May through July. Over the past 20 years our state has averaged about 50 tornadoes a year.

That being said, thunderstorms and yes even severe thunderstorms can occur in any month here in Colorado. A good thing to remember during severe weather season is the difference between a watch and a warning.

A Watch is issued when severe weather is expected or that conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather.

A Warning is issued if severe weather is occurring, imminent or likely in the location indicated creating a threat to life and property.

On Tuesday April 17th, the National Weather Service will be testing tornado warning sirens between the 9am and 11 am.