Severe Winds and Fire Weather Threaten Colorado with Power Outages
Residents in Colorado’s Front Range face potential power outages this week due to severe winds and critical fire weather conditions. Xcel Energy issued a warning to customers on Monday concerning these hazardous circumstances.
Forecasted Weather Conditions
Starting Wednesday afternoon, strong winds are expected to sweep across Colorado. These winds, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph, heighten the chances of wildfires in the area. The National Weather Service has indicated that these conditions will be particularly severe in the Denver area.
Impact of Recent Weather Trends
- Recent warm and dry weather has raised fire danger levels.
- A 10-day stretch of near-record temperatures has further exacerbated the risk.
Public Safety Power Shutoff Details
To mitigate wildfire risks, Xcel Energy may initiate a “targeted Public Safety Power Shutoff” (PSPS). This measure involves cutting off power in areas deemed to be highly vulnerable to wildfires. Xcel emphasized that this decision is not made lightly, taking into account various factors like weather conditions, humidity, and infrastructure safety.
Restoration Timeline
After the winds subside, power restoration efforts will begin. This process could take from several hours to several days, depending on the affected region. Utility crews must inspect power lines thoroughly to ensure safety before re-energizing them.
Enhanced Safety Precautions
In addition to the potential power shutoffs, Xcel Energy plans to implement enhanced safety measures on Wednesday. This involves making active power lines more sensitive. If any obstructions, like tree branches, make contact with the lines, they will automatically shut off to prevent further hazards.
Customer Communication and Reporting
- Xcel customers can check for current outages and report issues directly through their online accounts.
- Utility customers may also report outages by texting “OUT” to 98936.
- To receive updates about the status of outages, customers can text “STAT.”
Xcel Energy remains committed to protecting communities while balancing the need for reliable service amidst these severe weather conditions. For ongoing updates, residents are encouraged to stay informed through El-Balad’s daily newsletter and other local resources.
