High Wind Warning Issued for Eastern Plains of Colorado; Gusts Up to 65 MPH Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Denver, CO, has issued a High Wind Warning for portions of the eastern plains. This alert indicates that hazardous wind conditions are expected, posing a threat to property and travel safety.

Affected Areas

The warning covers a broad section of the eastern plains, including the following counties and regions:

• Northeast Weld County
• Morgan County
• Central and East Adams and Arapahoe Counties
• North and Northeast Elbert County (Below 6000 Feet)
• North and South Lincoln County
• Southeast Elbert County (Below 6000 Feet)
• Logan County
• Washington County

Specific cities and locations mentioned in the alert include Briggsdale, Fort Morgan, Byers, Limon, Sterling, and Akron.

Expected Conditions

Residents in the affected areas should prepare for the following conditions:

• Wind Speed: Sustained west winds of 30 to 40 mph.
• Wind Gusts: Peak gusts may reach up to 65 mph.
• Hazards: Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines, potentially leading to power outages. Travel will be difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles. Additionally, these strong winds will likely lead to the rapid growth of any new fires.

What You Should Do

The NWS urges residents to take the following precautions:

• Secure Property: Fasten or move indoors any loose outdoor objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind.
• Fire Safety: Avoid outdoor burning or any activities that may cause sparks. The combination of high winds and dry conditions creates a significant risk for rapid fire spread.
• Travel Caution: Drivers of high-profile vehicles should exercise extreme caution or avoid travel during the peak wind window.

Timeline

The High Wind Warning is scheduled to be in effect during the following window:

• Start Time: 9:00 AM MST on Tuesday, February 17, 2026
• End Time: 5:00 PM MST on Tuesday, February 17, 2026