Hurricane force winds pounded Colorado on Tuesday, including gusts over 100 mph in the higher mountains with a 116-mph gust reported about 8 miles southeast of Fraser.
Grand County and surrounding areas were hit hard on Tuesday, a 98-mph gust was reported southwest of Tabernash and a 91-mph gust near Berthoud Pass, according to the National Weather Service.
Winds gusting between 70 and 80 mph were widespread in the foothills and northern plains along the Wyoming border, the weather service said.
Two Colorado ski area, Loveland Ski Area and Echo Mountain, were shut down by extremely strong winds Tuesday morning because of ski lift safety concerns and whiteout conditions. Arapahoe Basin remained open, but some of its lifts were closed.
On Tuesday in Pueblo West, a strong wind reportedly blew a modular home off of a trailer in transit, according to KKTV 11News. No injuries were reported.
The extremely high winds and dry weather also raised wildfire concerns and a red flag warning was posted in El Paso County, the lower elevations of Las Animas County, and Baca County, the weather service said. People were urged to avoid outdoor burning or activities that could spark a fire.
A high wind warning was in effect until 9 p.m. Tuesday for Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley and Byers. Travelers using Interstate 70 and Interstate 76 east of Denver were warned about dust storms that suddenly reduce visibility. Travelers in the mountains were advised to be aware of sudden wind blown white conditions.
“Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles,” the high wind warning advised. Very dry and windy conditions are expected again on Wednesday in Colorado along with the corresponding red flag and high wind warnings.
“Strong northerly flow aloft and a drier airmass will bring critical fire weather conditions through at least Wednesday, and likely into Thursday” along the Front Range and in parts of the metro area, the weather service said. “While there will be a slight decrease in winds and a bump in humidity overnight, strong winds and low humidity can again be expected on Wednesday. Similar conditions will likely occur on Thursday.”
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