The fire danger from today’s high winds has subsided, but forecasters expect the wind to continue tonight
A critical “red flag” fire danger warning expired at 5 p.m. for the entire Colorado Front Range and northeast plains.
Winds tonight could reach 25 mph and gusts up to 40 mph are expected at the base of the foothills on the western edge of Denver’s metro region.
Gusts tonight could reach 70 mph, especially in wind-prone areas and locations above treeline, the National Weather Service said.
More snow showers — up to 2 inches — are expected in numerous locations in the mountains overnight.
Lighter snow are expected Tuesday, with a 10 percent chance of rain in the foothills, forecasters said.
The weather is expected to calm down Wednesday, with sunny skies and seasonal temperatures in the 50s until the weekend.
Winds of more than 100 mph rocked parts of the state over the weekend. Frisco reported winds of 115 mph Sunday, and communities along the Continental Divide to the foothills reported winds in excess of 80 mph.
The system is the remnants of the arctic storm that pummeled Alaska earlier in the week, according to the National Weather Service.
Thousands lost power from downed lines in Chaffee County and near Estes Park, and downed trees damaged homes and vehicles.
Some residents near Allenspark were still without power this afternoon, according to Estes Park Light and Power.
Scores of trees were toppled in the Arapaho and Roosevelt national forests, raising ongoing safety concerns, the U.S. Forest Service said this afternoon.
Crews were assessing the damage and risks today.
“In the meantime, we are asking people who plan on visiting the forests to be aware of the potential for high winds and falling trees, and to plan activities accordingly,” the agency stated this afternoon.
