DENVER — Up to 100 mph winds are possible in Colorado’s foothills this weekend with high wind gusts expected across a large portion of the state, including the Denver metro area.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Boulder has issued a high wind watch starting Saturday morning and lasting through at least Sunday morning.
“In Colorado, we are used to windy days and wind storms. This weekend's wind storm will not be like our typical wind storm," the NWS warned.
West winds will also blow across Colorado bringing 40 to 55 mph gusts along the Front Range Mountains, I-25 Corridor and the northeast plains, the NWS said. Eighty mile-per-hour wind gusts are also possible in these areas as an “exceptionally strong storm” and cold front pushes through the state.
“Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines, and create roof and fence damage. Scattered power outages are possible,” warned the NWS. ”Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles, and areas of blowing dust can be expected east of I-25.”
The NWS suggests people secure loose outdoor objects and be aware of potential damage to fences and shingles, along with the possibility of blowing dust creating hazardous travel conditions.
“Gusts up to 60 mph are possible in the Denver metro and up to 75 mph across the northeast plains and areas close to the foothills like Boulder,” said the NWS.
The highest wind gusts should blow starting Saturday morning through the afternoon and into the evening hours, according to weather forecasters. The NWS said Boulder's wind gusts Saturday night could reach 80 mph with some as high as 108 mph.
There could be potential flight impacts at Denver International Airport Saturday afternoon and evening where gusts above 90 mph are possible there as well as in the Centennial area, said the NWS.
Those winds will "slowly diminish" in most areas by Sunday afternoon.
"The impacts from this wind could be significant as power outages and downed branches may be common," said the NWS in its forecast discussion. "The one piece of good news is that we haven't reached full leaf-out yet so that should reduce some of the strain on the trees."
“There will be rain and snow over northeastern Colorado, a quick shot of it. There will also be mountain snow and colder air coming in,” added Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson.
Snow squalls or heavy bursts of snow could create whiteout conditions in portions of Colorado's mountains Friday night, including along the I-70 mountain corridor.
Along with the winds, fire danger will remain high.
A red flag warning is in effect now through 9 p.m. for wind gusts up to 50 mph. Critical fire danger conditions will exist where fire could rapidly spread. High fire danger conditions will continue through the weekend, with a second red flag warning in effect from noon Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday for a patch encompassing Fort Collins down to the western suburbs of Denver. Wind gusts there could range from 60 to 90 mph, though relative humidity values will be higher, between 20-28%, according to the NWS.
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