20-05-2025
Tornado tears through Elkhorn Ranch in Elbert County: ‘Where do you start?'
ELBERT COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — Families in the Elkhorn Ranch subdivision are cleaning up after a powerful tornado ripped through the neighborhood late Sunday night, leaving behind extensive damage but no injuries.
Just hours before FOX31 arrived on scene, Elbert County officials issued a disaster declaration for the area. Homes were left shredded, roofs torn away, and debris scattered for blocks.
Elbert County declares local emergency after May 18 tornado
'We spent a large part of yesterday and even this morning just trying to figure out, where do you start? What do you do next?' said Adam Dormuth, a homeowner whose property was hit hard by the storm.
Dormuth's workshop was destroyed, several windows were blown out, air conditioning units were tossed by the wind, and his home will likely need a new roof. He described the damage as a mix of structural and cosmetic.
Despite the widespread destruction, no injuries have been reported.
'You know, a lot of mixed emotions,' Dormuth said. 'We feel very fortunate. I'm thrilled my family is okay. I still can't believe — out of all the houses that were ripped through — no injuries were reported.'
As insurance adjusters and contractors begin to assess the damage, many residents are simply trying to stay busy and make sense of what's next.
'You walk through the field, you pick up little pieces of wood, siding, things like that,' Dormuth said. 'You pick up stuff that doesn't really matter, but you know it needs to be picked up to try and keep yourself busy.'
Photos: Tornado damage in Adams, Arapahoe counties seen from the sky
Still, amidst the chaos, the neighborhood has rallied together.
'Neighbors have been great,' he said. 'They've been coming by. Everyone is chipping in. They are offering tractors and trucks … neighbors have started meals, food.'
Elbert County officials are urging anyone impacted to report damage and utilize county recovery resources. Cleanup is expected to continue for several days as the community begins the long road to recovery.
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