Strong winds and dry conditions will create dangerous fire conditions Wednesday, and Xcel Energy is warning customers of a “likely Public Safety Power Shutoff” to reduce the risk of wildfire, according to a press release.
Here’s what you need to know:
When and where could power outages occur?
Nearly 100,000 customers across Colorado lost power on Wednesday as strong winds buffeted the state, and more outages were being considered for Friday, according to Xcel Energy. As of 10:25 a.m. Wednesday, 96,491 Coloradans were without power, according to the .
More could lose power during unplanned outages caused by wind, the utility said.
If Xcel implements another outage for Friday, some in overlapping risk areas could be without power for more than three days, according to a news release from the utility. Friday’s outages would start as early as 6 a.m., Xcel officials said.
50,000 without power in Colorado, more outages planned for Friday
The company on Tuesday reduced the size of affected areas from previous estimates due to "risk assessments based on the latest forecast data and advanced modelling tool outputs, as well as recent improvements to grid infrastructure," Xcel's press release said. But the company also bumped up the shutoff warning from noon to 10 a.m. due to changing weather conditions.
Xcel Energy outage map
shows power outages affecting customers, but the company warns that, "Due to the increased volume of web traffic related to the significant Colorado weather event, site visitors may experience slow load times when viewing the outage map."
The utility also created a where it's sharing the latest info about the potential impacts from Wednesday's storm.
School closures
As of Wednesday morning, the University of Colorado Boulder and Weld RE-4, Clear Creek, Jefferson County and Poudre school districts confirmed classes were canceled or operating on adjusted schedules. Click here to see a full list of impacted schools.
Red flag warning and weather forecast
The winds are expected to spread into the Eastern Plains by the afternoon, reaching Colorado's northeastern corner by night, according to the weather service.
Forecasters said Wednesday's windstorm will be strong enough to damage trees and fences, cause scattered power outages and, if flames spark, rapidly spread wildfires.
Colorado weather: Wind gusts up to 85 mph, power outages possible
A red flag warning will be in effect from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Wednesday for parts of Weld, Boulder, Jefferson, Douglas, Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield and Elbert counties. Red flag warnings indicate “critical fire weather conditions” — a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures — according to the weather service.
"Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire," NWS said, adding that high fire danger is possible through Friday.
Xcel said it expects weather conditions to start improving around 6 p.m. Wednesday, "though high winds that may create wildfire risk and cause outages are expected to continue through Friday," according to Tuesday's release.
Road closures
Colorado Department of Transportation officials announced planned closures Colorado 93, U.S. 128 and U.S. 287 starting at noon because of the high winds, with no estimated time of reopening.
Colorado road conditions: High winds close roads, highways across Front Range
RTD service disruptions
Three light rail stations along RTD’s W Line, which runs from the Jefferson County Government Center Station in Golden to Union Station in Denver, will close during Xcel Energy’s planned public safety power shutoffs, according to RTD.
How to report a power outage
Xcel customers can , by texting OUT to 98936 or by calling 800-895-1999.
How to prepare for a power outage
Here are Xcel's suggested for potential power shut-offs:
- Charge phones, medical devices and backup batteries.
- Plan for food, water, medications and pet needs.
- Protect your computer from power surges with proper electrical connections.
- Sign up to receive emergency alerts in your area.
- Monitor Xcel Energy notifications or notifications from your local energy provider.
Xcel recommends having an "outage kit" with the following items:
- Battery-powered radio or television
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Portable charger
- A phone that does not require electricity
- Nonelectric alarm clock
- Bottled water and nonperishable food
- Manual can opener
- First aid kit
- Extension cords for partial outages
- Manufacturer's instructions on how to manually open power-operated doors
When will power be restored?
"After a PSPS or when there are other weather-related outages across the system, power restoration efforts will begin after high winds and elevated fire risks have ended," Xcel said in a release. "It may take several hours to several days for customers’ power to be restored because a crew must patrol the entire power line to ensure itap safe to turn service back on before a power line can be re-energized."
Are public safety power shutoffs a frequent occurrence in Colorado?
If Xcel does pre-emptively cut power, it will be the second time the utility has done so in Colorado.
In April 2024, Xcel shut off power to about 55,000 customers. An additional 250,000 lost power because of wind events, Xcel spokesperson Michelle Aguayo said.
On Dec. 30, 2021, the Marshall fire started during a windstorm with gusts that topped 100 mph, and it tore through neighborhoods in Louisville and Superior, killing two people and more than 1,000 pets while destroying more than 1,000 homes and businesses.
In September, Xcel agreed to a $640 million settlement with the more than 4,000 people and companies that sued the utility and two telecommunications firms in the wake of the devastating fire.
Where to get Xcel outage updates
- For other outages, the Colorado Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management created a
