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Colorado's Front Range Faces 112 MPH Winds, Power Outages

12/20/2025

31 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Severe windstorms are impacting Colorado's Front Range, with gusts up to 112 mph.
The National Weather Service issued an extreme fire weather warning for dry, windy conditions.
Boulder has closed public parks due to safety concerns from downed trees and debris.
Xcel Energy has planned a second power shutdown affecting about 69,000 customers to prevent fire hazards.
Emergency shelters and charging centers are available for residents without power.

History

Historical Context

The Great Blizzard of 1888, occurring from March 11-14, paralyzed the northeastern U.S., causing over 400 deaths and significant disruption. This catastrophic event prompted the U.S. Weather Bureau to enhance weather forecasting, laying the groundwork for the National Weather Service. The ongoing severe windstorms in Colorado, with gusts reaching 112 mph, underscore the enduring challenges posed by extreme weather events.

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Story summary

Severe windstorms are impacting Colorado's Front Range, with gusts up to 112 mph.
The National Weather Service issued an extreme fire weather warning for dry, windy conditions.
Boulder has closed public parks due to safety concerns from downed trees and debris.
Xcel Energy has planned a second power shutdown affecting about 69,000 customers to prevent fire hazards.
Emergency shelters and charging centers are available for residents without power.

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