High Wind Warning Issued for San Luis Valley Through Wednesday Evening

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pueblo, CO, has issued a High Wind Warning for the San Luis Valley. This alert covers two distinct periods of hazardous wind conditions and is classified under NWS alert type code HWW.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts the following geographic regions in Colorado:

• Del Norte Vicinity and Northern San Luis Valley (Below 8500 Ft)
• Alamosa Vicinity and Central San Luis Valley (Below 8500 Ft)
• Southern San Luis Valley

What You Should Do

Residents are advised to remain in the lower levels of their homes during the windstorm and stay away from windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. If travel is necessary, use extreme caution, particularly if operating high-profile or lightweight vehicles, as travel will be difficult.

Expected Conditions

For the first warning period, west winds of 30 to 40 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 65 mph. During the second warning period, southwest winds of 30 to 40 mph are forecast with gusts up to 60 mph.

Damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines, leading to possible power outages. Additionally, areas of blowing dust may reduce visibility to under one mile at times.

Timeline

• First Warning Period: Remains in effect until 6:00 PM MST Tuesday, February 17.
• Second Warning Period: Effective from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM MST Wednesday, February 18.