On Sunday, May 18, 2025, four tornadoes swept through eastern Colorado, damaging dozens of homes across Adams, Elbert, and Arapahoe counties. The National Weather Service confirmed the twisters touched down between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m., with some of the most severe destruction reported in the towns of Bennett and Elizabeth.
In Elbert County, at least 19 homes were damaged in the Elkhorn Ranch neighborhood. Roofs were torn off, windows shattered, and debris scattered throughout the area. Adams County officials reported 17 structures impacted, including six homes. One resident estimated $250,000 in personal losses after his machine shop and several race vehicles were destroyed. While Arapahoe County experienced tornado activity as well, no major property damage was reported. Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities have been confirmed.
Tornadoes in Colorado: An Increasing Risk
Colorado experiences an average of 40 to 50 tornadoes per year, making it one of the top ten states in the U.S. for tornado frequency. While many of these tornadoes are classified as EF0 or EF1 (weaker on the Enhanced Fujita scale), stronger and more damaging tornadoes do occur and can have devastating impacts. The vast majority of these tornadoes happen on the Eastern Plains, where flat terrain and dryline boundaries between moist and dry air contribute to ideal storm development conditions.
Counties like Weld, Elbert, Adams, Arapahoe, Washington, and Morgan consistently rank among the most tornado-prone areas in the state. Weld County, in particular, has the highest tornado count of any county in Colorado, with over 250 tornadoes recorded since reliable tracking began. This area, along with parts of El Paso and Lincoln counties, forms a kind of “Colorado Tornado Corridor” that sees regular activity each year.
Tornado season typically peaks in May and June, when warmer temperatures and atmospheric instability are at their highest, but tornadoes can strike from April through September. In some years, late summer systems and remnants of tropical moisture can extend the storm season even further.
Although Colorado lies just on the western edge of the traditional Tornado Alley, shifting weather patterns and an increase in severe convective storm days have made tornado outbreaks more frequent and widespread. Urban and suburban sprawl into areas historically considered rural has also increased the number of homes and people exposed to this risk. As a result, more homeowners are grappling with both the physical threat of tornadoes and the financial impact of rising insurance premiums in high-risk zones.
How Tornadoes Are Affecting Homeowners Insurance in Colorado
Tornadoes and other wind-related perils are usually covered under standard homeowners insurance policies. However, the growing number of severe weather events has led to noticeable changes in coverage terms and pricing, especially in areas considered high risk.
In counties such as Weld, Adams, Elbert, and Arapahoe, homeowners have seen premium increases ranging from 10 to 25 percent over the past few years. Homes with older roofing materials, minimal wind mitigation, or inadequate structural reinforcement are more likely to face higher rates. Many insurers now require wind-resistant features, such as Class 4 impact-resistant shingles or hurricane clips, before offering preferred pricing or full coverage.
Insurance carriers are also implementing more restrictive policy structures. Wind and hail deductibles, which used to be flat amounts, are now often calculated as a percentage of the home’s insured value. For example, a 2 percent wind deductible on a $500,000 home would mean a $10,000 out-of-pocket cost before insurance pays for storm-related damage.
Some carriers have responded to repeated losses by pulling back from certain high-risk ZIP codes entirely. Others have introduced stricter underwriting guidelines, including mandatory roof inspections, photographic documentation of property conditions, and limitations on older homes with outdated construction materials. In some cases, homeowners are left with fewer carrier options, higher minimum premiums, or reduced coverage limits, especially for roof replacement or cosmetic damage caused by wind-driven debris.
These changes are part of a broader trend affecting insurance across Colorado. With more frequent windstorms, hail events, and tornado activity, homeowners are facing both higher costs and increased scrutiny when applying for or renewing coverage. It is more important than ever for residents to work with local brokers who understand the evolving risk landscape and can help secure policies that meet both budget and protection needs.
What Colorado Homeowners Should Look For
If you live in a part of Colorado that’s vulnerable to tornadoes, it’s important to make sure your homeowners insurance policy is up to the task. One of the first things to check is whether your coverage is based on full replacement cost rather than actual cash value. Replacement cost coverage helps you rebuild your home using today’s construction prices, while actual cash value factors in depreciation, which can leave you with a shortfall after a loss.
It’s also a good idea to understand how your policy handles wind or hail deductibles. These are often listed as a percentage of your home’s insured value. For example, a 2% deductible on a $500,000 home would mean you’re responsible for $10,000 before insurance kicks in. Knowing this number ahead of time can help you plan better and avoid surprises.
Loss of use coverage is another important feature. If your home becomes unlivable due to storm damage, this coverage helps pay for things like hotel stays, rental homes, and meals while you’re displaced. Without it, you could be stuck paying those costs on your own while still dealing with repairs.
Many Colorado homeowners are also choosing to add extended dwelling coverage to reflect the increasing cost of building materials and labor. This extra protection can help cover any gap if your home ends up costing more to rebuild than originally estimated.
In addition to reviewing your insurance policy, there are practical steps you can take to reduce your risk and potentially lower your premiums. Installing severe weather alert systems, such as NOAA weather radios or smart home alarms, signals to insurers that you’re staying ahead of danger. Using high-impact roofing materials like Class 4 shingles or metal roofs can help prevent hail and wind damage, and many insurers offer discounts for these upgrades. Reinforced garage doors and wind-resistant windows may also help reduce your rate, especially if you’ve completed a certified inspection showing your home is better prepared for storms. And don’t forget that bundling your homeowner’s insurance with auto or umbrella coverage can unlock additional savings.
Need Help Navigating Your Options?
Castle Rock Insurance helps Colorado homeowners find coverage that accounts for tornado, wind, and hail risks. We specialize in understanding local hazards, and we can guide you toward the right policy based on your location, property type, and risk factors.
