In brief
Over the weekend, a storm in southeastern Utah produced two tornadoes that caused significant destruction, particularly near Montezuma Creek. Despite the damage to three homes on the Navajo Nation's reservation, which spans three states, there were no reported injuries. The local authorities are continuing to assess the situation, with reports of missing livestock and pets following the incident. Tornado occurrences in this region are quite rare, with only two confirmed since 1950.
MONTICELLO, Utah (AP) — Two tornadoes touched down in southeastern Utah over the weekend, causing substantial damage to homes without injuring residents.The National Weather Service reported that the tornadoes occurred in San Juan County, beginning around 12:35 p.m. Saturday. Meteorologist Kris Sanders noted that the tornadoes' paths likely spanned less than 10 miles (16 kilometers), with their exact tracks and wind speeds still under investigation. A detailed survey is scheduled for Monday.According to Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, three homes were completely destroyed during the storm. The Navajo Nation is the largest reservation in the United States, encompassing 27,000 square miles across Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.While there were no human injuries reported, the Navajo Police Department mentioned that an unknown number of livestock and pets went missing as a result of the tornadoes. Pictures shared by the police depicted the tornado alongside dark storm clouds and the wreckage left behind in the affected area.These tornadoes are an unusual occurrence for Utah, particularly in this region, with only two confirmed since 1950, according to Sanders. As recovery efforts begin, authorities are focusing on the safety and well-being of the community.
