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Storm Central: Thunderstorm warnings persist as severe weather moves through Front Range

Posted at 12:56 PM, May 08, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-09 00:16:03-04

DENVER — As May begins, so too does Colorado's severe weather season. Only a week into the month and Colorado is already testing the area with a severe weather system which blanketed the Denver metro area in heavy hail which broke windows, damaged cars and caused general frustration.

Storm systems brought damaging hail, heavy rain, severe thunderstorms and flood waters. Hundreds reported hail damage, with photos flooding Denver7 of damaged vehicles and buildings. 

GALLERY | See photos from incredibly heavy hail as it fell in the Denver metro. 

Homeowners showed photos of snapped siding and Lakewood's Colorado Mills Mall announced it would close down Monday due to "substantial damage" and heavy flooding. 

LIVE | See live radar here as the storm develops. 

  • A tornado warning was issued for Arapahoe and Elbert counties, but has since been canceled and downgraded to a severe thunderstorm warning, which remained in effect until 4:15 p.m.
  • A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for most of eastern Colorado, including the Denver metro area. That watch expires at 8 p.m.
  • A severe thunderstorm warning was also issued for most of the Denver metro area, including Jefferson, Denver, Broomfield, Adams and Boulder Counties and more as the storm moved toward Denver. Storms could crop up throughout the evening as the system dissipates. 
  • A tornado warning was issued in Pueblo County near Rye, Colorado. 

LIGHTNING | Learn critical information about lightning during severe storms here. 

Additional watches could be issued, too. Denver7's First Alert weather team said storms could crop up as the day turns into night, with severe weather remaining a possibility. 

As rain continues to fall throughout the day and possibly through the week, flooding will be a real concern. Officials in Greeley reported trapped vehicles amongst some urban flooding.

The areas at highest risk for flooding are lower-elevation urban areas, burn scars and areas of historic and repeated flooding.

Denver7 will continue to follow the developing weather system. Tap here to learn more about the forecast. 

MORE | Tap here to visit the Denver7 weather hub with live radar, the forecast and more.