Colorado officials implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff due to fire risk from strong winds
Severe weather is expected to begin again on Friday, which may cause another Public Safety Power Shutoff event to impact the mountain region and Front Range.
Strong wind gusts fuel Colorado wildfire
Fifty to sixty mile per hour winds have residents concerned as the Kruger Rock Fire continues.
DENVER, CO - A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is in effect in Colorado as strong winds slam the area, and more severe weather could move in on Friday.
Around 50,000 customers in Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld counties are impacted.
A TEMPERATURE ROLLERCOASTER IS COMING FOR THE LOWER 48, GIVING BRIEF RELIEF FROM EXTREME COLD
High Wind Warnings and Watches along with Fire Weather Warnings have been issued in numerous cities, including Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo.
(FOX Weather)
Wind gusts are forecast to reach up to 80 miles per hour in some locations, while the humidity levels will range from 15 to 20% throughout Wednesday afternoon.
The powerful winds combined with low humidity levels could increase the risk of wildfires throughout the region.
Local power companies have indicated that they needed to shut off power in parts of the Denver Metro area to help mitigate wildfire risk.
TWO KIDS WAITING FOR THE BUS CRITICALLY INJURED DUE TO STRONG WINDS IN IDAHO
The state is advising residents to avoid all outdoor burning or any activity that may produce a spark to start a wildfire.
According to a social media post from Xcel Energy Colorado, hundreds of crew members and contractors are in position along the Front Range ready to restore power once conditions subside and power lines and equipment are inspected for damage.
But severe weather is expected to begin again on Friday, which may cause another PSPS event to impact the mountain region and Front Range.
If this is the case, the storm may overlap with communities that are still waiting for their power to be turned back on from Wednesday's severe weather. This could cause some areas to be without power for more than three days.
This isn’t the first time Colorado has been through a high-wind weather event. In December 2021, hurricane-force winds impacted Boulder County, fueling a wildfire that was caused by a downed power line.
The Marshall fire destroyed over 1,000 homes and killed two people. Around $2 billion in insurance claims were filed.