Tornadoes destroy homes and leave livestock missing in Utah

In southeastern Utah, located within the 27,000-square-mile Navajo Nation reservation, tornadoes wreaked havoc over the weekend, particularly affecting the area around Montezuma Creek. Two tornadoes touched down on Saturday, September 14, 2025, around 12:35 p.m. Reports indicate that the tornadoes quickly formed, and within an hour, they were responsible for the destruction of several homes. Despite the significant damage inflicted, local authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported among the residents, a fortunate outcome given the severity of the storm. The Navajo Police Department noted an unknown number of livestock and pets were reported missing following the tornadoes. Images shared by the police department depicted the terrifying sight of the tornado and the aftermath, showing the devastation to the community. Meteorologist Kris Sanders from the National Weather Service's Grand Junction office stated that tornadoes are rare occurrences in this part of Utah, highlighting that only two have been confirmed in the region since 1950. As the storm progressed, assessments and surveys were planned to determine the precise tracks and wind speeds of the tornadoes, which were estimated to have traveled less than 10 miles. A community recovery effort was underway following the storms, aimed at assisting those affected.