FORT COLLINS, Colo. – A brutal wind event swept the Colorado Front Range on Wednesday into Thursday, toppling power lines and fueling wildfires that stretched into the plains. Gusts exceeded 100 mph in some areas, prompting urgent response from utilities and emergency managers as crews work to restore service and keep residents safe.

In the wake of the storm, Xcel Energy preemptively shut off power to large swaths of eastern Colorado to prevent downed lines from sparking fires. By mid‑afternoon Thursday,about 60% of the de‑energized lines were back on,but roughly 37,000 customers along the Front Range and into the Rocky Mountains remained without power.Officials warned that more outages were likely on Friday as the weather pattern persisted and crews performed safety inspections before power could be restored.

“Power will not come back on the moment the wind event ends as we have to inspect the lines,” said Robert kenney, president of Xcel Energy‑Colorado, emphasizing the careful process required after such a high‑risk wind event.

Across central Denver, the storm left a trail of damage: power outages overnight, furniture toppled from apartment balconies, a blown-out window, and yards strewn with branches. The immediate aftermath underscored how quickly severe winds can disrupt daily life even in urban cores.

Wildfire danger surged as winds roared across eastern Colorado.Local emergency officials reported at least one major fire in Yuma County,burning as of Thursday afternoon at least 14,000 acres (5,700 hectares) with the cause still under examination. The sprawling blazes stretched into the plains, compounding the challenge for responders.

In neighboring Wyoming, a grass fire near Cheyenne prompted temporary evacuations for residents in a neighborhood on Wednesday evening. No structures were damaged,but the incident added to the regional strain on firefighting resources during strong wind episodes.

Simultaneously occurring, high winds and red flag warnings extended into Kansas on Thursday. A dust‑laden atmosphere reduced visibility to the point that Interstate 70 near the western edge of the state was closed. Officials urged motorists to postpone nonessential travel while conditions remained volatile.

On the West Coast, the weather story shifted to heavy rain in the Pacific Northwest. Washington rivers have fallen after recent flooding forced rescues and damaged roads, while parts of southern Oregon and northern California were forecast to receive additional inches of rain and strong winds as the weekend approached.

As the region braces for another round of gusty winds, authorities stress the importance of staying clear of downed lines, checking on neighbors, and preparing for possible extended outages in affected communities.

contributing reporters across the region noted that utilities and local teams are coordinating to restore power, monitor wildfire activity, and respond to new flareups as wind and weather shift. this situation remains fluid, with officials cautioning residents to heed official guidance and weather advisories.

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By mid‑afternoon Thursday, power restoration efforts were underway across affected areas, but many households and businesses faced continued outages as crews inspected and repaired damaged infrastructure. Officials anticipate the potential for additional outages on Friday as winds may sharpen again and the risk of new line failures remains elevated.

For those coping with outages,emergency management agencies advise keeping phones charged,using flashlights rather than candles,and preserving heat and water supplies in anticipation of extended restoration timelines.

Experts note that this event highlights vulnerabilities in regional power networks to extreme winds and underscores the need for resilience measures, rapid response protocols, and clear communications between utilities, authorities, and the public. The incident also serves as a reminder of how quickly weather can shift from risky winds to fire risks and heavy rainfall in nearby regions.

Key facts at a glance

Evergreen takeaways for resilience

Weather events of this scale reinforce the need for robust outage timelines, rapid damage assessment, and proactive public safety messaging. In this era of volatile wind patterns and drought‑driven fire risk, communities can benefit from coordinated planning across utilities, emergency management, and local leaders. Consider preparing a household emergency plan, maintaining a powered communications kit, and recognizing the signs of wind‑related hazards in your area. For ongoing guidance, stay connected with official channels and trusted outlets as the situation evolves.

To understand the science behind such windstorms and how utilities plan for resilience, you can consult resources from authoritative weather authorities and energy agencies, including the National Weather Service and NOAA.

For readers seeking more context on regional weather patterns and preparedness, reputable sources offer continuous updates and safety recommendations:

NOAA • National Weather Service

Reader questions

• What steps will you take to stay safe if power outages continue through the weekend?
• How can communities better prepare for future windstorms and related wildfires in this region?

Share your experiences or tips in the comments to help neighbors stay informed and safe.

Disclaimers: This article covers weather and safety information. For health and safety guidance, follow local official advisories and seek emergency assistance as needed.

Stay with us for the latest developments as crews continue restoration efforts and authorities monitor fire activity across the region.

This report is a developing story reflecting updates through Thursday afternoon. For ongoing coverage, follow our live blog and use the primary keyword Colorado windstorm as you search for localized alerts and safety guidance.