Operation Tornado Alley

Operation Tornado Alley

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On July 22, 2006 favorable weather conditions created a line of thunderstorms over the Denver metropolitan area. Feeding off ambient moisture the storm that developed formed a rapidly moving squall line. The advancing front spun an F-2 tornado over eastern Aurora, touching down in the Murphy Creek subdivision.

The surrounding residential community sustained moderate damage. The vast majority of the force of the tornado hit the Murphy Creek K-8 School, collapsing portions of the roof and shattering windows. A special event was in progress at the time the storm hit. The actual scope of the storm's impact is not known.

Due to the amount of damage, most roads in the area are unpassable and public safety personnel and heavy equipment are not expected on the scene for several hours. Local CERT has been activated to respond to Murphy Creek.

This is only a drill.