Colorado Faces High Winds: Power Shutdowns on the Horizon

Strong winds are heading towards Colorado, and people are getting ready. The National Weather Service says there will be very strong winds in Northern Colorado and the mountains on December 17. These winds can cause big problems. Xcel Energy, a big electricity company, thinks it might need to turn off power for about 50, 000 people starting at 10 a. m. on December 17. This is to stop any damage from the strong winds. The company serves many places, including schools in the Poudre School District. If the power goes out for more than two hours, schools might have to send students home. The winds are expected to be very strong, especially in the afternoon. In places like Fort Collins, Boulder, and the western suburbs of Denver, winds could blow at 30 to 50 mph, with gusts up to 80 mph. In the mountains, winds could be even stronger, reaching 75 to 85 mph.Other electricity companies in the area, like Fort Collins Utilities and PVREA, don't plan to turn off power before the storm. They say their power lines are buried underground, which makes them safer. But they still warn that the strong winds could cause unexpected problems. People are advised to be careful. The National Weather Service says to avoid outdoor activities that could cause sparks or fires. Loose objects should be secured to prevent them from flying away and causing damage. The worst of the wind is expected on December 17, but weaker winds might continue on December 18. Stronger winds could come again on December 19.