
Four tornadoes confirmed near Denver on Sunday afternoon
Two of the tornadoes were rated EF2 and struck near Bennett, east of Denver, with winds topping 125 mph. Another strong landspout damaged homes near Elkhorn Ranch.
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First Alert Meteorologist Joe Ruch's passion for meteorology developed at just 12 years old. He was at the Eagles vs. Lions Snow Bowl game, the forecast called for 1-3" of snow in Philadelphia, but the storm dumped 9" of snow with blizzard conditions. This sparked his curiosity as to why the forecast went wrong and the rest is history.
After pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science from Penn State University, he took a leap of faith and moved to Colorado Springs. It was not long before he found himself chasing all types of weather from snow to tornadoes. Joe quickly fell in love with the challenge of forecasting the weather along the Front Range. Mother Nature always has a trick up her sleeve.
In 2024, Joe was hired by CBS News Colorado and began forecasting from the First Alert Weather Center. Within a few days of joining the team, an epic snowstorm dumped more than a foot of snow on parts of the Denver metro area and Joe was able to provide important updates on the snowfall totals to CBS Colorado viewers.
Aside from forecasting the weather, Joe loves to spend time outside. He has enjoyed exploring the high country, whether that be going on hikes or camping overnight. Joe's favorite trip so far was hiking to the top of the sand dunes in the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve on a hot summer day (never again).
You'll also find Joe exploring new restaurants downtown. He loves food!
Just The Facts
• Position: First Alert Meteorologist
• Year hired: 2024
• Alma Mater: Penn State
• Hometown: Garnet Valley, PA
• Hobbies: Fishing, Eating, Working Out
• Favorite Food: Salmon
• Number of Siblings: 3
• Least Favorite Chore: Folding Laundry
• Least Favorite Noise: The screech from chalk on a chalkboard
• What keeps you in Colorado? How unpredictable Mother Nature can be
Two of the tornadoes were rated EF2 and struck near Bennett, east of Denver, with winds topping 125 mph. Another strong landspout damaged homes near Elkhorn Ranch.
Saturday brings the highest risk for severe storms, while Sunday could feature widespread rain along the I-25 corridor. Don't cancel plans just yet, but keep the rain gear handy.
After a stretch of sunny and warm days, Colorado's holiday weekend forecast turns soggy with daily chances for showers and thunderstorms.
Strong to severe storms are expected Sunday afternoon and evening, with the potential for large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes.
Denver is experiencing above-average temperatures to start the week, coming within a few degrees of daily records. The city is still waiting on its first 90-degree day of the year.
After up to 4 feet of snow fell in the mountains, Colorado's snowpack is still just 49% of normal, and melting two weeks ahead of schedule.
How many times have you heard "We need the moisture!" over the past three days? Well, Coloradans who uttered these words weren't wrong, and many locations finally received the desperately needed rain and snow.
Perhaps the most impressive statistic is the 50 inches of snow expected to fall atop Pikes Peak by Thursday morning.
Spring slop is heading to Colorado, bringing snow to the mountains and heavy rain to Denver.
A sloppy May system will bring heavy rain and snow to Colorado for several days.
We will put a Band-Aid on the drought for the next month or so, but the overall dry pattern will return through mid-July with drought conditions expanding.
High fire danger is expected Sunday across much of Colorado.
Dr. Jason Persoff has spent more than 15 years chasing storms across Colorado and the Midwest. From tornadoes to tennis ball-sized hail, he's seen it all. Now he helps hospitals prepare for disasters.
A watch means to be ready, while a warning means act now.
The Climate Prediction Center anticipates a hot and dry remainder of spring and start to summer.