A powerful storm is bringing heavy snow to western Colorado, and strong winds to eastern Colorado Friday night into Saturday afternoon.
Current High Wind Warnings cover the majority of the Front Range and Plains. In our area, this includes Teller, El Paso, Fremont, Pueblo, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas and eastern Kiowa county through Saturday afternoon.
Notable wind gusts include an 89 mph gust at Wilson Ranch Park, 5 miles south of the Air Force Academy.
Apache City (near Colorado City) 79 mph
Trinidad 75 mph
Wetmore 70 mph
Black Forest 63 mph
Colorado Springs (Garden of the Gods & I-25) 64 mph
Air Force Academy (Airfield Drive) 82 mph
Colorado Springs (Northgate) 75 mph
Peterson Air Force Base 64 mph
Buena Vista (Cottonwood Pass) 75 mph
Aguilar 73 mph
This is making for strong crosswinds on north-south oriented roads, like I-25. Semis, buses, RVs & other high profile vehicles will be at risk for tipping. A semi flipped on its side Friday night around 11 pm on I-25 near Briargate, closing lanes for about 2 hours.
In the 50 to 60 mph range, winds can damage roof shingles. Loose outdoor objects can become airborne.
Please secure or bring in holiday yard decorations.
When winds gust 60 to 70 mph, weak or dead trees can fall and powerlines can be brought down. Never approach a downed powerline.
70 mph and above can cause more significant structural damage. These speeds can overturn mobile homes.
Have nonperishable food, water, blankets & flashlights handy in case of a power outage.
