Strong winds continued to impact the Front Range and Eastern Plains on Thursday, leaving over 90,000 customers of Xcel Energy without power. This situation arose due to a combination of precautionary outages and damage caused by the winds.
High Wind Warnings and Evacuations
The National Weather Service issued high wind warnings for much of the affected areas, forecasting gusts that could reach up to 80 mph. These warnings are expected to last at least until 11 a.m. Thursday. In Yuma County, in far eastern Colorado, a series of overnight fires led to mandatory evacuations, although there were no immediate reports of injuries or property damage.
Flight Delays and School Closures
The winds created significant disruptions at Denver International Airport, where 49 flights were delayed, and nine were canceled as of 7:30 a.m. Thursday. Educational institutions also faced challenges, with Boulder Valley School District canceling all classes. Schools in Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties followed suit, while some Jefferson County schools remained closed due to the wind or power outages.
Local Reactions
The high winds caused a dramatic series of events Wednesday, leading to flight cancellations, downed power lines, and precautionary shutdowns. Martha Lunsky, who operates the front desk at Chautauqua Lodges in Boulder, reported losing power around 11 a.m. Wednesday. Winds intensified afterward, resulting in several downed trees that blocked local roads. Although the lodge has a generator for communal areas, individual cottages do not. Lunsky mentioned they have been providing flashlights and extra blankets to guests, who have responded with understanding.
In Golden, resident Ron Groothedde experienced a loss of power during a Zoom call. He criticized the precautionary measures, expressing concern for those at home relying on medical devices. “It’s a way to try to keep the public safe,” he said, “but what about those who need power?
Xcel Energy’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Xcel’s public safety shutdowns on Wednesday and Thursday are part of the updated Wildfire Mitigation Plan. This initiative aims to minimize the risk of major fires sparked by the utility’s equipment. Following a previous criticized power shutoff in April 2024, state regulators mandated improved coordination between Xcel and local authorities regarding power cuts.
Future Weather Warnings
Although winds may diminish Thursday afternoon, officials caution that they could return Thursday night and Friday, along with the possibility of further power shutdowns. Residents are advised to stay informed as the situation develops.
