DENVER (KDVR) — Tornadoes are rare in Denver weather, and even more rare in the mountains, but they can happen, and have on several occasions in history. There are usually around 53 tornadoes in the state each year of varying intensities. According to the National Weather Service, all but 5% of them happen east of Interstate 25, and most of the minority occur between the foothills and I-25, but on the rare occasion, twisters can happen in the high country.