Article Summary –
A powerful storm system is expected to hit the central U.S., resulting in high winds, fire danger, and severe storms. Over 30 million people across numerous states are under wind and critical fire danger alerts; wind gusts of 40-60 mph are forecasted, with gusts reaching over 80 mph in the central Rockies. Additionally, over 3 million people across five states are facing critical fire weather, with Xcel Energy Colorado shutting off power to several customers due to the high risk of wind-driven wildfires.
Multiple Weather Threats Expected Across the Central U.S. this Weekend
A powerful storm system threatens the central U.S. this weekend, with high winds, fire, and severe storms. Over 30 million people across more than a dozen states, from Texas to North Dakota, are under wind and critical fire danger alerts. The large storm system is gradually moving eastward across the central U.S.
Wind gusts are forecasted to reach 40-60 mph on Saturday and Sunday in several states. Central Rockies could experience winds over 80 mph in higher elevations. High wind warnings are in effect for cities including Denver, Lincoln, Nebraska, and Amarillo, Texas.
More than 3 million people across five states face critical fire weather conditions on Saturday, with gusty winds and dry weather enhancing the risk of wildfires. Southeastern Colorado, western Kansas, and the Oklahoma Panhandle face extreme fire weather risk with humidity dropping below 10% and winds gusting over 60 mph.
Xcel Energy Colorado is shutting off power to some customers across the suburbs and foothills west of Denver due to “high risk of wind-driven wildfires.” Affected counties include Boulder, Jefferson, Douglas, Broomfield, Larimer, and Gilpin. Red Rocks Amphitheatre, near Denver, canceled its outdoor concert due to dangerous wind conditions.
Wind and fire danger conditions should improve slightly on Sunday. However, parts of the Plains will still have strong, gusty winds and dry conditions leading to lingering fire danger in some locations. Moreover, this storm system could trigger severe thunderstorms across Nebraska and Kansas on Saturday afternoon and evening. Damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes are possible.
This same storm system is expected to bring severe thunderstorms across parts of the South, including much of Texas, on Monday. Storms are likely to flare up during the late afternoon and continue into the early evening hours after the historic total solar eclipse, with large hail, damaging wind gusts, and isolated tornadoes possible.
Winter alerts are in effect on Saturday across parts of the Rockies, where spring snow has extended the ski season. Heavy mountain snow continues to hit parts of the Rockies, potentially impacting travel through some mountain passes due to strong winds causing blowing snow and accumulations of over a foot of snow.
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