Tornado Touches Down in San Juan County, Utah, Prompting Warnings but No Injuries

BLANDING, Utah (Sept. 13, 2025) - A tornado briefly touched down in eastern San Juan County this morning, triggering a Tornado Warning and prompting residents to take cover; no injuries or significant damage were reported.

The rare twister, confirmed by storm chasers northeast of Montezuma Creek around 1:15 p.m., moved northeast across sparsely populated areas before dissipating, underscoring an unusual late-season threat to southeastern Utah.

Tornado Confirmation and Warning

• The National Weather Service issued the first Tornado Warning at 1:30 p.m. after radar and spotter reports indicated rotation near Dry Valley Flats.
• A live-tweeted video showed a funnel cloud touching down roughly 15 miles northeast of Montezuma Creek.
• The warning covered east-central San Juan County until 1:45 p.m., advising residents to seek sturdy shelter.

Path and Impact

• The tornado tracked northeast at about 10 mph, crossing BLM grazing lands and avoiding major roads.
• Strong winds and quarter-size hail accompanied the funnel, but no structures or power lines were damaged.
• Local authorities reported only minor debris-fallen branches and scattered fencing-and no injuries.

Community Response

• San Juan County Emergency Management activated its storm watch protocol, alerting rural residents via NOAA weather radios.
• Blanding and Monticello schools remained open but held indoor recess as a precaution.
• First responders conducted drive-through checks in remote areas; no assistance was required.

Weather Outlook

• The National Weather Service warns of more intense thunderstorms through Monday, with isolated severe hail and gusty winds possible.
• Rain chances increase Friday as a cold front moves in, potentially curbing further severe weather.

Residents are advised to monitor NOAA updates and maintain weather-aware practices during the lingering storm season.