Colorado weather: Strong storm tracks south of Fort Collins

The threat of potentially damaging thunderstorms is building along Colorado's foothills and Interstate 25 corridor early Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Here is what you need to know:

Southern Larimer County, including southwest Loveland, Berthoud under flood advisory

FEMA at 3:35 p.m. sent a flood advisory for minor flooding expected from rainfall of as much as 2 inches for southern Larimer County, Weld County and Boulder County. The advisory lasts until 6:45 p.m.

Urban and small stream flooding is expected for southwest Loveland, Carter Lake, Campion, Berthoud, Longmont, Mead, Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Dacono and Platteville.

At 3:57 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Longmont, Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Dacono, Mead and Niwot.

– Miles Blumhardt

FEMA warns of nickel-sized hail in Johnstown, Berthoud, Longmont area

FEMA at 3:19 p.m. sent a weather statement warning that nickel-sized hail from a strong thunderstorm 4 miles southwest of Berthoud could cause minor damage to oudsoor objects in the Longmont, Firestone, Johnstown, Berthoud and Mead areas.

– Eric Larsen

Radar shows strong storm tracking south of Fort Collins

As of 2:45 p.m. Thursday, the strong storm that formed over Larimer County's foothills appears to be tracking south of Fort Collins, which could alleviate some severe weather threats. A hazardous weather outlook remains in place for much of the state, and people should check for updated weather statements before venturing outside for extended periods of time.

– Eric Larsen

Strong storms expected to hit Fort Collins, Greeley with up to 1-inch hail

The National Weather Service at 1:45 p.m. said a strong storm with up to 1-inch hail, 60 mph wind and heavy rain is expected to hit Fort Collins and the Greeley area by 3 p.m.

Those in the impacted area should seek cover and protect vehicles

– Miles Blumhardt

Flash flood warning issued for Masonville area of Cameron Peak Fire burn scar

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the Masonville area until 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

At 1:23 p.m., radar indicated 0.50 inches of rain had fallen with expected rainfall of 0.5 to 1.5 inches per hour in the warned area, which is in the Cameron Peak Fire burn scar.

At 1:48 p.m., NWS on its Twitter account sent this Tweet: "This is a life-threatening situation for the Buckhorn Creek/Buckhorn Road area in and adjacent to the Cameron Peak burn scar! Go to higher ground NOW! Flash Flood Warning in effect through at least 4:30 PM. Rainfall rates are exceeding 2-2.5 inches/hr.''

Areas expected to be impacted include: Upper Buckhorn along Larimer County Road 44H, Crystal Mountain, Moondance Way, Stringtown Gulch, Big Bear and Lower Buckhorn along Larimer County Road 27 just above Masonville.

Between Drake and Masonville, 30 mph wind gusts and penny-sized hail are expected until 2:15 p.m.

Those in the warned area are asked to seek higher ground.

– Miles Blumhardt

When are the thunderstorms expected to hit and how severe are they predicted to be?

Radar detected thunderstorms moving through early Thursday afternoon that are expected to persist through the afternoon and into evening. Small hail, lightning and gusts to 50 mph are likely to accompany the storms and isolated severe storms with large hail and wind gusts to 70 mph are possible.

Be ready to seek shelter if severe storms arise as these will likely pop up quickly.

Have a way to monitor weather conditions via alerts.

There is an elevated risk of flash flooding on the Cameron Peak Fire burn scar from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday, according to the weather service. This is the third-highest alert level with only significant risk above it.

Be prepared to take evasive action if flash flood conditions exist.

This story will be updated as weather conditions change. Return to Coloradoan.com for more.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Colorado weather: Strong storm tracks south of Fort Collins