A 9NEWS Weather Impact Alert has been issued Thursday for strong winds and critical fire conditions, with gusts up to 100 mph. Xcel Energy warns of possible outages.
DENVER — The 9NEWS Weather Impact Team is tracking critical fire weather conditions across the Denver metro area and Colorado’s Front Range.
The 9NEWS Weather Impact Team issued a Weather Impact Alert for Thursday due to the strong winds and fire danger. Thursday will be a high-risk day with 90-100 mph winds possible in the foothills, Boulder and Fort Collins areas.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday will see the most widespread critical conditions with strong gusty winds, peaking Thursday and Saturday.
A High Wind Watch is in place for Thursday for the foothills and Front Range mountains, with sustained winds from the west from 30 to 45 mph and gusts up to 100 mph possible. The strongest winds will be east of the Continental Divide.
The public is asked to avoid any activity that could produce a spark and start a wildfire. Xcel Energy said it is preparing and monitoring a higher risk of wildfires in Colorado through the remainder of the week.
“Enhanced Power Safety Settings (EPSS) is one of the tools we use to help mitigate wildfire risk, and we anticipate using this tool on Thursday,” Xcel Energy said in a statement. “When EPSS settings are activated, power lines are more sensitive and can stop the flow of electricity if an object touches the line. It’s important to note, high winds can also trigger unplanned outages.”
“The company utilizes weather forecasts and other data sources to help determine the best course of action to protect public safety. High winds, low relative humidity and dry ground fuel conditions are key factors in risk models. Models are regularly updated, and operations are adjusted accordingly to reduce wildfire risk.”
Xcel Energy said it is raising awareness and encouraging customers to prepare for potential outages due to weather. Customer communication will increase if outages become imminent or wildfire activity increases, the utility said.
Boulder Valley School District announced it will close four mountain schools — Nederland Elementary School, Nederland Middle-Senior High School, Gold Hill Elementary School and Jamestown Elementary School — Thursday due to high winds, elevated fire danger and potential power outages. All before and after-school activities are canceled.
Build a home emergency kit
Xcel Energy said its customers are encouraged to be prepared for an electric outage by keeping phones and other devices charged and building an outage kit with items that do not require electricity, including:
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Backup phone chargers
- A phone that does not require electricity
- Non-electric alarm clock
- Bottled water and non-perishable food
- Manual can opener
- First aid kit
- Extension cords (for partial outages)
- Manufacturer’s instructions on how to manually open power-operated doors (e.g. garage doors)
- Xcel Energy phone numbers – 800-895-1999 for residential or 800-481-4700 for business
Denver Forecast
- WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny, cooler and breezy. High 56, low 39.
- THURSDAY: Mostly sunny and warmer. High 70, low 42.
- FRIDAY: Mostly sunny and warm. High 69, low 39.
- SATURDAY: Partly cloudy, warm and breezy. High 73, low 40.
- SUNDAY: Partly cloudy and cooler. Chance for showers. High 48, low 32.
- MONDAY: Partly cloudy and mild. High 54, low 32.
