Prom photo accidentally captures tornado — from a safe distance

WRAY, Colo. (AP) – Teens in the small Colorado plains community of Wray were getting ready to head to the prom when a powerful tornado clouded the picture.

The twister with winds up to 130 mph tore a path across the landscape about three miles away as seemingly everyone stopped to watch and take photos Saturday.

Clint Marintzer said his wife, Heidi, took pictures of their daughter Ali with her date Charlie Bator as the menacing tornado formed a backdrop, though a safe distance away. The image spread rapidly on social media.

The prom was briefly delayed to make sure everyone was safe.

It was the most powerful of four twisters that developed in the area about 100 miles east of Denver. There was some damage to three homes and two businesses outside of town.

The next day, Marintzer says residents pitched in to clean up tornado debris.