Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Colorado Faces Extreme Winds, Power Shutoffs Amid Wildfire Risks
Colorado is experiencing very strong winds, with some gusts reaching up to 110 mph.
These winds, combined with dry weather, make it very easy for wildfires to start.
To prevent this, Xcel Energy is turning off power in some areas as a safety measure.
The strong winds can also knock over trees, power lines, and even big objects like trampolines.
The power shutoffs will start early Friday morning and are expected to last until the winds calm down in the evening.
Some areas outside the shutoff zones might still experience power outages due to the high winds.
Xcel Energy implements Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in six Colorado counties due to extreme wind and wildfire risks.
Wind gusts of 70–110 mph expected, capable of toppling trees and power lines, increasing wildfire ignition risks.
Wildfire risk is at extreme levels in parts of Colorado and Wyoming, and high across the Great Plains.
Power shutoffs begin at 5 a.m. Friday and are expected to last until winds ease around 6 p.m.
Utility crews have been repairing wind damage and restoring power since Wednesday night, with potential for unplanned outages.
- Who
- Xcel Energy Colorado, AccuWeather, utility companies, residents in affected counties
- What
- Extreme wind conditions and power shutoffs due to wildfire risks
- When
- Friday, December 19, starting at 5 a.m.
- Where
- Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, Weld counties in Colorado
- Why
- To prevent wildfires caused by downed power lines in dry conditions
- Affected Counties
- Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, Weld
- Wind Gusts
- 70–110 mph
- Power Shutoff Start Time
- 5 a.m. Friday (December 19)
- Wildfire Risk Level
- Extreme in parts of Colorado and Wyoming, high across Great Plains
- Expected Wind Easing
- Around 6 p.m. Friday
