Estes Park, CO – Drivers crossing Colorado’s northern mountain passes could face extreme crosswinds capable of pushing vehicles across lanes as wind gusts near 100 mph continue through Friday midday.
According to the National Weather Service in Denver, a High Wind Warning remains in effect for the northern Colorado mountains and foothills until noon Friday. West winds between 35 and 50 mph are expected to generate powerful gusts between 80 and 100 mph across higher elevations, including Rocky Mountain National Park, the Medicine Bow Range, the Indian Peaks, and the mountains of Summit County.
Major travel corridors are especially vulnerable. Gusts approaching 100 mph could impact U.S. 40 over Berthoud Pass, Interstate 70 between Golden and the Eisenhower Tunnel, and the Peak to Peak Highway. High-profile vehicles such as campers, box trucks, and tractor trailers face the greatest risk of losing control in strong crosswinds.
Lower elevations across northern Colorado are also experiencing powerful winds. Communities including Fort Collins, Wellington, Briggsdale, and Sterling could see gusts as high as 90 mph north of Wellington through 7 p.m. Thursday, with blowing dust capable of briefly reducing visibility below a quarter mile along Interstate 25 toward the Wyoming border.
Residents should secure outdoor furniture and loose equipment while avoiding unnecessary mountain travel during peak wind periods. Officials warn that strong winds may also accelerate wildfire spread below 7,500 feet. Warnings remain active through Friday midday, and additional advisories could follow if damaging winds persist across the Front Range.
