Colorado Braces for Second Blast of Intense Winds, Remembering the Marshall Fire’s Warning

The Front Range of Colorado is still reeling from a ferocious windstorm that slammed into the region Wednesday, leaving nearly 200,000 homes and businesses without power and disrupting travel across the state. As crews work to restore electricity and assess damage, forecasters are warning that another, potentially stronger, system is barreling towards the area, set to arrive Friday morning.

A Familiar Fury: Winds Echo Past Disasters

Wednesday’s gusts peaked at a staggering 109 mph at the National Center for Atmospheric Research’s Mesa Laboratory in Boulder, according to the National Weather Service. Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge recorded 102 mph, and sensors near Fourmile Canyon in Boulder County registered 95 mph. While winter windstorms are a regular occurrence in Colorado, meteorologist Robert Koopmeiners noted this was the strongest the state has seen in four years.

The timing is particularly unsettling for many residents, bringing back vivid memories of December 2021. That month, similar high winds combined with exceptionally dry conditions fueled the devastating Marshall fire, which tore through Boulder County, claiming two lives and destroying over 1,000 homes. Investigations revealed downed Xcel Energy power lines were the likely ignition source, though the company continues to dispute responsibility.

The specter of the Marshall fire looms large, prompting preemptive action this time around. Xcel Energy proactively cut power to approximately 50,000 customers in several counties Wednesday morning, a strategy aimed at preventing downed lines from sparking new wildfires. As of 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, the utility reported an additional 113,560 customers were experiencing unplanned outages, with crews working to restore service across a wide swath of the region. CORE Electric also reported over 16,000 customers without power.

Travel Chaos and Community Disruption

The impact of the storm extended far beyond power outages. Denver International Airport experienced significant disruptions, with over 400 flights delayed and 12 cancelled Wednesday night, according to FlightAware. Road closures snarled traffic, particularly along the foothills and northern Colorado, with restrictions placed on high-profile vehicles. The Colorado Department of Transportation closed sections of U.S. 287 and Colorado 93, among others.

Even public transportation wasn’t immune. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) suspended light rail service on the W-Line, replacing trains with buses due to the planned power cuts. Schools and universities also took precautions, with several districts – including the University of Colorado, Red Rocks Community College, and schools in Clear Creek, Weld RE-4, and Poudre – canceling classes.

The storm’s reach even impacted local events. Denver’s popular Christkindlmarket and Mile High Drone Show were cancelled, and access to the Mile High Tree was restricted, demonstrating the widespread disruption caused by the extreme weather.

Looking Ahead: A Second Wave and Rising Temperatures

While Thursday is expected to bring a brief respite with calmer winds and a high near 47 degrees, the reprieve will be short-lived. Koopmeiners warns that Friday will likely bring winds “just as strong – if not stronger” than those experienced on Wednesday, lasting from midmorning into the evening.

Adding to the unusual weather pattern, Denver could see record-breaking temperatures on Friday, with a forecast high of 68 degrees at Denver International Airport. This would surpass the previous daily record of 67 degrees, set in 2023. This dramatic swing – from intense winter winds to near-record warmth – highlights the increasing volatility of Colorado’s climate.

The Global Context of Extreme Weather

Colorado’s experience is part of a broader global trend of increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events. According to the United Nations, the past decade (2011-2020) was the warmest on record, and the frequency of weather, climate and hydrological hazards increased over the past decade. In fact, the World Meteorological Organization reports that there has been a five-fold increase in weather-related disasters over the past 50 years, costing trillions of dollars and impacting millions of lives.

The proactive power cuts implemented by Xcel Energy reflect a growing awareness of the link between infrastructure and wildfire risk, a strategy increasingly adopted by utilities in fire-prone regions across the western United States. However, these preventative measures also raise questions about balancing public safety with the disruption caused by widespread outages.

As Colorado prepares for another round of intense winds, residents are urged to stay informed, secure loose objects, and be prepared for potential power outages. The lessons learned from the Marshall fire serve as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of a changing climate.