High wind warnings are in place for much of central and eastern Colorado as winds could reach 90 mph on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
According to the Denver Gazette, The initial blast of strong winds is expected to begin between 7 and 10 a.m. with winds peaking in the afternoon hours, officials said. Gusts are expected to range from 60 to 80 mph but could be near 100 mph in the foothills and metro area.
Time lapse of expected wind gusts from 00Z HRRR Model. Strongest winds look to be from 9 am to 4 pm on Wednesday. #cowx pic.twitter.com/LnQQBCggIQ
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) December 15, 2021
CPR News is reporting that people in the Denver metro should prepare for winds up to 85 mph, and the city will be under a high wind alert from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. At such high speeds, winds can cause significant property damage and make travel hazardous. Xcel Energy reported about 4,775 of its customers in Southern Colorado were without power as of 6:30 a.m.
Drivers may encounter falling tree limbs and experience low visibility due to blowing dust. Mark Wankowski with the National Weather Service in Pueblo is urging residents to secure loose objects they may have outside their homes and delay travel.
“If you cannot, just make sure you’re weather aware and cognizant of whiteout and brownout conditions with the potential for blowing dust across the southeast plains,” Wankowski said.
