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Strong Winds Cause Travel Hazards in Colorado

Staff Report /

**Strong Winds Hit Colorado’s Front Range**

High winds continued to sweep through Colorado’s Front Range early Saturday morning, with gusts reaching up to 79 mph in some locations, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Denver/Boulder. Wind speeds were particularly strong in higher elevations, where areas above 8,000 feet and timberline recorded significant gusts.

The peak wind speed reported was 79 mph at Dakota Hill in Gilpin County. Other notable wind gusts included 65 mph at Breckenridge Peak 8, 60 mph near I-70 Dumont and Georgetown Lake, and 54 mph in Aspen Springs.

Additionally, Nederland saw gusts of 53 mph, while Red Feather Lakes recorded winds reaching up to 50 mph. Lower elevations and foothill areas also experienced significant wind activity: Estes Park, Westminster near US-36, and Coal Creek Canyon all recorded gusts of up to 48 mph.

In surrounding areas, winds were measured at Badger Mountain/Wilkerson Pass (47 mph), Livermore (45 mph), and Virginia Dale (42 mph). Further east, locations like Broomfield’s Rocky Mountain Metro Airport recorded gusts of 40 mph, while nearby Bailey and Tabernash YMCA both hit 39 mph.

The NWS warned that these strong winds will persist, particularly in higher elevations above 8,000 feet, before tapering off as the day progresses. Gusts between 40 and 60 mph were widespread in these areas, with gusts to 40 mph reported in lower elevation wind-prone regions like foothills.

Residents are advised to exercise caution, particularly when traveling in affected areas, as hazardous conditions could arise due to wind impacts such as blowing debris.

Source: NWS Denver

Source Type: weather

Source Location: Boulder

Feb 1, 2025 at 3:17 AM

weather