Storms rake Denver, Arizona

DENVER, July 21 (UPI) -- Thousands of people were without power Tuesday after heavy storms and two small tornadoes blew through the Denver area overnight.

The storm, which carried wind speeds as high as 80 miles per hour, damaged a fire station in Brighton, Colo., and blew down trees and power lines, The Denver Post reported.

"The situation is very dangerous," Lisa Stigall, spokeswoman for the Wheat Ridge Police Department, told the newspaper. "Police are asking residents to stay inside their homes. Motorists are asked to stay out of the area as we try to clean up the debris and make the area safe from the downed lines."

The National Weather Service said two weak tornadoes were confirmed near Castle Rock and Englewood.

In Arizona, high winds toppled trees and knocked down power lines, The Arizona Republic said. Arizona Public Service Co. said some 4,300 customers were without power overnight.

Accuweather said the cluster of storms that tore through the southern Plains will reach the Mississippi Valley by Tuesday night, bringing the risk of dangerous flash flooding, large hail, strong winds and isolated tornadoes. A cold front sweeping into the Upper Midwest could also bring damaging storms to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and eastern Nebraska.