Tornado destroys homes near Montezuma Creek in San Juan County

MONTEZUMA CREEK, Utah — Three homes were destroyed on Saturday when a tornado touched down near Montezuma Creek located within the Navajo Nation in San Juan County. On Saturday night, the Navajo Police Department confirmed the homes that were destroyed were in the McCracken Mesa and Cahone Mesa areas. There were no injuries to humans. Navajo officials said Saturday night that "an unknown number of livestock and household pets have been reported missing." [gallery ids="819356,819339,819279,819280,819272,819271,819266,819261,819258"] San Juan County Administrator Mack McDonald told KSL that along with the homes that were damaged, two horse trailers, a hay barn, and a fifth-wheel trailer were also damaged. He said numerous power poles were also damaged. By Saturday night, officials from the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority said they had repositioned some power lines, but that the Montezuma Creek community was experiencing a power outage. Recovery efforts are being conducted by the Navajo Police Department, as well as the Aneth Chapter House, San Juan County EMS, Utah Navajo Health System, and officials with Montezuma Creek Elementary School. Those who need shelter can be housed at Montezuma Creek Elementary School, the Navajo Police Department said. The Navajo Nation's Community Health Representative Program told Navajo Police they were checking on "vulnerable clients." That work will continue into Sunday. The American Red Cross is expected to arrive next week to meet with people with damage to their homes. “Our prayers go out to the families that lost their home and to those impacted,” Navajo Police said in a statement. The local community is asked to stay out of damaged areas while they are assessed for safety. Contributing | Daniel Woodruff, KSL TV

Editor's note: This story has been edited to reflect that multiple household pets as well as livestock were missing after the tornado hit.

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