ELBERT COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) -- A tornado damaged 19 homes in Elbert County Sunday afternoon, leaving six families without livable homes. Two dogs were reported missing.

Residents in the community just north of Elizabeth told FOX31 the tornado quickly evolved from high winds.

"The wind was ferocious, it was crazy," said one resident.

The FOX31 Pinpoint Weather Beast drove through roof shingles, siding and other debris on each side of County Road 194. Derek Smith told FOX31 he was mowing his lawn when he witnessed the abrupt increase in wind gusts and saw the roof come off of one home.

"It was all swirling and the roof stayed up and then came back down, then the other structures just started, just collapsing," he said.

Smith said he was struck in the back by a piece of flying debris.

"We went inside and we can see it was moving across, and then once it cleared, then we went over and made sure everyone was OK," he said.

The Elbert County Office of Emergency Management told FOX31 preparations were made ahead of time when high winds were forecasted.

"We were on alert before this even started. The Fire Department for this area were ready and had extra personnel," said spokesperson Juliet Madsen.

Sheriff's deputies closed several roads and will remain on the scene to protect the affected properties. A damage assessment team will visit the area on Monday.

Smith's home was not damaged. He says his heart goes out to his neighbors who must rebuild and repair damaged homes.