The Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management is monitoring weather conditions as high winds are expected in El Paso County and the City of Colorado Springs. Local officials have stated they are ready to respond to any impacts resulting from these conditions.
The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning from 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, through 3 a.m. on Thursday, December 18. In addition, a Red Flag Warning is in effect today from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., due to low humidity and strong winds that increase the risk of fire.
According to forecasts, the Interstate 25 corridor could experience winds between 20 and 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 60 mph. Higher elevations may see wind speeds between 30 and 40 mph with gusts reaching up to 80 mph.
Officials warn that the combination of low humidity and strong winds can quickly spread fires. The Colorado Springs Fire Department advises against activities that could start fires such as discarding cigarette butts, outdoor burning, campfires, grilling, off-road travel, use of outdoor machinery, or welding outdoors. “Anyone caught in the act of illegal fire activity or malicious activity that could start a large fire are subject to fines, charges, and potentially jail time,” department officials said.
Residents should be prepared for possible downed trees and power lines leading to power outages and hazardous travel conditions—especially for high-profile vehicles. People are encouraged to avoid forested areas or locations near trees or branches during periods of high wind. Officials also recommend staying in lower levels of homes during windstorms and using caution when driving.
To stay informed about emergency situations, residents can sign up for Peak Alerts at peakalerts.org. This service allows people to receive official emergency alerts via phone call, email, text message or app notification for multiple locations including home, work or school.
Travel is discouraged unless necessary during these weather events. Those who must drive should keep both hands on the steering wheel and watch out for sudden changes in wind speed or direction as well as flying debris. If traffic signals lose power at intersections, motorists should treat them as four-way stops.
For updates on road closures or restrictions due to weather conditions residents are advised to monitor local news sources or NOAA Weather Radio.
Non-emergency assistance with downed trees within city limits can be obtained by calling City Forestry at (719) 385-5942 or by using GoCOS!, available at ColoradoSprings.gov/gocos. Reports about street trees planted within public rights-of-way can be made at ColoradoSprings.gov/tree. Outside city limits assistance is available by calling (719) 520-6460 or through citizenconnect.elpasoco.com/.
Property owners are responsible for handling downed trees on private property; insurance companies or private tree removal services should be contacted unless there is an immediate threat to safety involving power lines—in which case residents should call 911.
Power outages may occur due to strong winds bringing down lines; residents are urged to charge devices ahead of time and keep flashlights accessible. Those relying on medical equipment should have backup power plans in place.
If you see fallen power lines or trees touching lines do not approach them—contact your utility provider immediately:
Colorado Springs Utilities customers can find outage information online at csu.org/outage-map/ and report emergencies by calling (719) 448-4800.
Mountain View Electric customers may visit mvea.coop/outage-center/outage-reporting/ or call (800) 388-9881.
City of Fountain Utilities customers may call (719) 322-2010.
Black Hills Energy customers may check blackhillsenergy.com/outages or call (888) 890-5554.
Flight status information for Colorado Springs Airport can be found at flycos.com.
