Forecast Updates:
Tuesday 11:10AM Update:
Winds have moved into southern Colorado and already creating headaches for travel. Colorado Springs and Pueblo have had gusts reach 60-70mph. Be careful while traveling next to high profile vehicles. In these conditions, it doesn't take much to blow them over. Blowing dust warnings are in effect for the very far eastern plains for a few counties.
These winds are impacting traffic. There is a crash south of Pueblo near mile marker 93 which closed down I-25 south of the city.
Traffic
Five people killed in 30-vehicle pile-up south of Pueblo identified
Tuesday 5:00AM Update:
An elevated cold front is currently crossing I-25, which will drop temperatures and increase humidity. A quick shot of rain and snow showers is possible, particularly in the Pikes Peak Region, between 7:00-9:00 AM associated with energy behind this front. The main areas likely to see commute impacts are Woodland Park, and the Palmer Divide.
Winds will increase this morning region wide. A jet streak over the state will mix down strong winds. High Wind Warnings are in effect now-2:00 PM for El Paso county, and 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM in the rest of the News 5 viewing area. Sustained winds today will be 30-40 mph, gusting 60-70 mph. The strongest gusts will be immediately east of the mountains.
Fire danger will be very high due to the dry air and strong winds. Red Flag Warnings are in place today from I-25 east from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM across all of southern Colorado.
Monday 5:30PM Update:
Red Flag Warnings will be in place until 6PM later this evening. El Paso, Pueblo, Fremont, and Teller county will all be included. Winds this afternoon have been gusting to 25-30mph. The Colorado Springs Fire Department has issued burn restrictions for the city starting tomorrow at 8 a.m.
🔥BURN RESTRICTIONS ORDERED FOR COLORADO SPRINGS🔥
— Colorado Springs Fire Department (@CSFDPIO) February 16, 2026
The Colorado Springs Fire Department Fire Marshal, Kris Cooper, has ordered burn restrictions to go into effect for the City of Colorado Springs beginning Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 8 a.m.
Due to increased dry fuels and… pic.twitter.com/o4Wx11wz8p
Watches & Warnings by County:
El Paso:
Fire Weather Watch: Thursday 10AM-7PM
Pueblo:
Red Flag Warning: Wednesday 10AM-7PM
High Wind Warning: Wednesday 6AM-7PM
Fire Weather Watch: Thursday 10AM-7PM
Fremont:
High Wind Warning: Wednesday 6AM-7PM
Fire Weather Watch: Thursday 10AM-7PM
Otero:
Red Flag Warning: Wednesday 10AM-7PM
Huerfano:
High Wind Warning: Wednesday 6AM-7PM
Las Animas:
Red Flag Warning: Wednesday 10AM-7PM
High Wind Warning: Wednesday 6AM-7PM
Fire Weather Watch: Thursday 10AM-7PM
Discussion:
Critical fire weather will be a concern over the next couple of days. The highest risk for fire danger will be on Tuesday, though winds will continue to be strong through Wednesday.
Residents in Pueblo, Crowley, Otero, and Fremont Counties should prepare for a potential energy blackout on Tuesday as Black Hills Energy says they are monitoring high fire conditions. You can head to this article for more information about these energy blackouts.
These high winds will be an issue for those traveling on I-25 and high-profile vehicles, like semis and campers. Pull over if conditions continue to worsen. On top of this, blowing dust is also a possibility, especially towards eastern El Paso county towards the far eastern plains. Winds will be close to 60mph at times.
Something to note, a few counties towards the Colorado/Kansas border are included in a Particularly Dangerous Situation or PDS Red Flag Warning on Tuesday. These are only issued every few years, so use extra caution and avoid creating any sparks outside.
The mountains during this time will have heavy snow and combined with the strong winds visibility will be greatly reduced. Traveling will be very difficult and winds will be between 70-80mph. A couple of feet of snow is expected towards the San Juan mountains. Anyone trying to determine if it's safe to travel should avoid the area completely.
Wind Reports:
- Wind Reports over the past 24 hours
Track this storm through the morning, including snow totals and updated forecasts, on the First Alert 5 Weather stream, which can be viewed on the KOAA News5 app for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV or AndroidTV.
(this is a game time decision on where it belongs in the blog, if at all. Please do not place at very top of story)
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