High winds buffeting Colorado cities and the bone-dry terrain along Colorado’s northern Front Range corridor on Friday morning led to dust storms and raised fire risks.
Thousands of homes lost power because of utility shutdowns. Blowing dust impaired visibility for drivers.
The National Weather Service issued high wind red flag fire warnings covering the Front Range from Pueblo through Fort Collins. NWS meteorologists said any fires could spread rapidly and that dust storms, caused by recent extreme dryness, could lead to brown-outs. Visibility was most impaired near construction and agricultural areas where soil was disturbed, including land along Interstates 70 and 76 northeast of Denver.
The NWS forecasted widespread wind gusts at speeds up to 65 miles per hour through Friday evening, with gusts exceeding 70 mph along Interstate 25 from Wellington to the Wyoming border. The Colorado State Patrol advised drivers to secure loose objects and navigate slowly. The Colorado Department of Transportation issued high wind alerts on Friday covering stretches of I-70 and I-76 north of Denver.
Today brings playoff-level winds across Colorado. A strong cold front will bring gusts up to 65 mph across parts of Northern Colorado and the Eastern Plains. While the Broncos continue on their playoff journey tomorrow, today Mother Nature is bringing her own defense with dry… pic.twitter.com/ziIgW6sajB
— Colorado State Patrol (@CSP_News) January 16, 2026
Xcel Energy reported 11,714 power outages in Colorado, concentrated in the mountain foothills between south metro Denver and Fort Collins. It was unclear whether these outages were unplanned or deliberate as part of efforts to manage fire risks.
High Wind Warning Today
Strong crosswinds will make for harzardous travel, including potential for blowing dust/localized dust storms especially in agricultural areas. Could impact portions of I-70 and I-76 east and northeast of Denver. #COwx pic.twitter.com/lAX8wKhZKr
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) January 16, 2026
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