On May 18, Colorado experienced severe weather, with at least four tornadoes reported by the National Weather Service. One tornado touched down near Bennett, approximately 35 miles east of Denver. A remarkable video captured by passenger Kristelle Nielsen on a Southwest Airlines flight showcased a massive tornado in the distance as the plane approached Denver International Airport.
Nielsen and her boyfriend were returning from a wedding in Jacksonville, Florida, when they saw unusual storm clouds during the flight. Initially, their landing was expected to be early, but inclement weather caused a 25-minute delay. As the plane circled east of Denver, Nielsen observed the ominous clouds and noted another Southwest flight in similar circumstances. Although the ride was a bit turbulent, it was manageable.
As the plane descended, Nielsen struggled to orient herself amid the “extremely dark skies” that obscured familiar landmarks like the mountains or downtown Denver. To her surprise, she noticed the tornado forming right outside her window, prompting her to alert her boyfriend and capture the sight on video. By the time she started filming, the tornado had fully developed, creating a breathtaking scene for passengers.
The flight crew successfully navigated the situation, landing safely while humorously noting they might be the first passengers to land next to a tornado. Post-landing, Nielsen praised the crew for making the flight enjoyable, despite the extreme weather. She also reflected on the trip, sharing their previous encounter with a fire at Jacksonville International Airport, making for a memorable journey. She encouraged others to keep their windows open during flights for unexpected sights.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
