High Wind Warning Issued for Portions of Eastern Colorado and Western Kansas

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Goodland, KS, has issued a High Wind Warning for portions of east-central and northeast Colorado, as well as northwest and west-central Kansas. This alert (NWS alert type HWW) indicates that a significant wind event is likely to occur.

Affected Areas

The following counties are included in the warning area:

• Colorado: Yuma County, Kit Carson County, and Cheyenne County.
• Kansas: Sherman, Thomas, Wallace, Logan, Gove, Greeley, and Wichita counties.

What You Should Do

Residents are advised to fasten loose objects or move them to a sheltered location prior to the onset of the winds to prevent property damage.

Drivers should use extra caution, as winds of this magnitude make travel difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Additionally, because blowing dust can significantly lower air quality, residents are encouraged to stay indoors or wear protective breathing masks if they must be outside. High dust concentrations can cause respiratory issues and aggravate conditions such as asthma, particularly in children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health concerns.

Expected Conditions

• Wind Speed: Sustained west winds of 35 to 45 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 65 mph.
• Visibility: Plumes of blowing dust will create pockets of low visibility. Conditions may change rapidly over short distances, making travel hazardous.
• Impacts: High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages.

Timeline

The High Wind Warning is effective from 10:00 AM MST (11:00 AM CST) on Tuesday, February 17, until 5:00 PM MST (6:00 PM CST) on Tuesday. The strongest winds are forecast to occur during the late morning through the mid-afternoon hours, with sustained winds around 40 mph persisting through the rest of the afternoon.