87,000 Xcel Customers Lose Power Amid Severe Fire Risk Warning
Severe weather conditions have left approximately 87,000 Xcel customers without power in Colorado. The affected regions include Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties. Xcel Energy initiated a safety power shutdown at 5 a.m. today in anticipation of hurricane-level winds.
Current Power Outages and Safety Measures
This morning, the utility company disabled service for 69,000 customers. Around 20,000 customers were previously without power due to damage from Wednesday’s windstorm. Crews are currently focusing on restoring power from those earlier outages.
Xcel Energy predicts weather conditions will improve between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. tonight, but additional outages may still occur. According to Xcel, windy conditions will linger past 10 p.m., hindering restoration efforts.
Weather Warnings and Road Closures
The Colorado Department of Transportation has closed several highways due to extreme winds. Closed routes include:
- Highway 93 between Golden and Eldorado Springs
- Peak to Peak Highway (Hwy 72) from Highway 7 to Nelson St.
- North Foothills Highway (Hwy 36) north of Boulder to Lyons
- Flagstaff Road, restricted to local access only
The National Weather Service has declared a “particularly dangerous situation” warning, indicating the potential for rapid onset wildfires, especially in Boulder’s foothills. The forecast includes gusts reaching up to 105 miles per hour and humidity levels at dangerously low levels.
Fire Hazards and Community Response
The Boulder County Office of Emergency Management advises against traveling in potentially affected areas. Emergency officials stress that the fire weather conditions present substantial risks to life and property in the event of a wildfire. Fire crews are monitoring around 700 miles of power lines, and some customers may remain without service for three days or more.
Impact on Education and Transportation
Local schools have been impacted, with Boulder County schools, CU Boulder, and at least 34 Jefferson County schools closing for the day. The Regional Transportation District reports disruptions on the W Line service, with bus shuttles deployed in place of the regular service.
Recent Wildfires and Ongoing Threats
A recent fire in Yuma County, initiated by high winds, burned approximately 12,000 acres but is now fully contained. Fortunately, no homes faced immediate threats, and there were no reported injuries.
Several smaller fires were reported this morning, including:
- The Rolling Creek Fire in Park County, initially three acres, has now reduced to 1.3 acres.
- Active crews are responding to the Geranium Fire near Coal Creek.
- The Wondervu Fire also near Coal Creek has reportedly been contained.
Flight Disruptions at Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport experienced significant disruptions today, with over 900 flights delayed and more than 30 cancellations reported. The Federal Aviation Administration suggests average delays of up to 120 minutes due to high winds.
Financial Considerations for Affected Residents
Homeowners and tenants face potential financial losses from power outages, including spoiled food and other damages. Xcel Energy has a claims process in place, but safety remains the primary concern.
Insurance experts recommend that policyholders review their homeowners or renters policies before filing claims. Individuals should weigh the costs of short-term expenses against their deductibles, as filing multiple claims can negatively impact insurance rates.
