High Risk Colorado  ·  Tornado / Flash Flooding

Weld County CO

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

7/ 10
Threat Score
Population
329
Area
3,990
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Tornado / Flash Flooding
FEMA Disasters
9
federally declared

Weld County northeast of Denver has one of the highest tornado frequencies in Colorado on the flat eastern plains. The county hosts massive oil and gas extraction operations making it one of the most productive energy counties in the US with thousands of active wells creating serious industrial hazmat emergency considerations. The South Platte River creates flooding risk. JBS USA beef processing in Greeley is one of the largest beef plants in the world. Multiple significant tornadoes have struck Weld County.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
  • Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
  • Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
  • Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 7 / 10    High Risk
Primary Hazard Tornado / Flash Flooding
Secondary Hazard Industrial Hazmat
FEMA Flood Zone High
Federally Declared Disasters 9
Last Major Event 2016 Tornado
Event Frequency Annual

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (970) 356-4015
Emergency Shelters 12 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-25 US-85 CO-257 CO-14

// County Profile

County Weld County CO
State Colorado (CO)
Population 329
Area 3,990 sq miles
FEMA Region High

// Major Cities

Greeley CO

// Cities in This County

// Other Colorado Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

🏭
JBS USA Greeley CO Beef Plant
Food Processing  ·  Greeley, CO  ·  JBS USA / JBS SA Brazil  ·  5-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🏭
JBS Greeley CO Beef Plant Bioterrorism Vector
Food Processing  ·  Greeley, CO  ·  JBS USA / JBS SA Brazil  ·  5-mi risk zone
8/10 High
JBS USA Beef Processing Plant CO
Chemical Facility  ·  Greeley, CO  ·  JBS USA  ·  50-mi risk zone
7/10 High
JBS Greeley CO Beef Plant
Chemical Facility  ·  Greeley, CO  ·  JBS USA  ·  10-mi risk zone
6/10 Moderate

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.