Denver, Colorado – Violent mountain winds could make travel treacherous across Colorado’s northern high country beginning before sunrise Thursday, with gusts approaching 100 mph near major mountain passes and highways.
According to the National Weather Service in Denver/Boulder, a High Wind Warning runs from 4 a.m. Thursday until noon Friday across the northern Front Range mountains and foothills, including Rocky Mountain National Park, Summit County, the Mosquito Range, Indian Peaks, and areas above 9,000 feet. West winds are expected to reach 35 to 50 mph with gusts between 80 and 100 mph at higher elevations.
The powerful winds could create dangerous driving conditions along Interstate 70 between Golden and the Eisenhower Tunnel, U.S. 40 over Berthoud Pass, and the Peak to Peak Highway. High-profile vehicles such as semitrucks, RVs, and campers face the greatest risk from sudden crosswinds.
Foothill communities including Evergreen, Idaho Springs, Bailey, and Central City could see gusts approaching 80 mph, strong enough to bring down tree limbs and power lines. Scattered power outages are possible as winds intensify through Thursday afternoon and evening.
Across northern Colorado’s plains, including Fort Collins, Wellington, Briggsdale, and Sterling, winds may gust 60 to 75 mph from late Thursday morning through early evening, especially near Interstate 25 toward the Wyoming border.
Emergency managers also warn that strong winds combined with dry vegetation could rapidly spread any grass fires, particularly below 7,500 feet.
Drivers of high-profile vehicles should consider delaying travel through mountain corridors until winds weaken. Conditions are expected to gradually improve Friday afternoon, though breezy weather may linger across the Front Range.
