High winds out of the west and northwest are expected to continue pounding northern and northeastern Colorado this afternoon.
The foothills of Jefferson and Boulder counties will likely see 20 to 35 mph winds through mid-afternoon while the Eastern Plains can expect to see the gusts linger into the evening hours. Gusts up to 65 mph could continue to blow above the timberline throughout the remainder of the day.
Areas suspestible to downslope winds — like Colorado 93 from Golden to Boulder and U.S. Highway 36 from Broomfield to Lyons — may experience gusts up to 50 mph. The National Weather Service is advising people with light weight vehicles or large trucks to remain alert for strong and sudden crosswinds. Those driving near the Wyoming border are warned to be particularly cautious.
According to Rocky Mountain National Park’s Facebook page, falling trees and wind gusts nearing 100 mph are being recorded in the park today.
The high country could see an additional inch or two of snow before the snow tapers off later this afternoon.
Conditions are expected to dramatically improve by Sunday with above average temperatures lasting through the early part of next week. Monday and Tuesday’s highs are predicted in the 50s and 60s along the Front Range and the 30s and 40s for the mountains. Strong winds may continue to occasionally blow through Monday.
Another cold front is expected to move into the area Tuesday night, possibly bringing snow.
Kristen Leigh Painter: 303-954-1638 or kpainter@denverpost.com
