High Wind Warning Issued for Sangre de Cristo and Sawatch Mountains

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pueblo, CO, has issued a High Wind Warning for several mountain ranges in southern and central Colorado. The alert indicates that damaging winds are expected to impact the region, creating hazardous conditions for residents and travelers.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following specific geographic regions and elevations:

• Eastern Sawatch Mountains above 11,000 feet
• Western Chaffee County between 9,000 and 11,000 feet
• Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains above 8,500 feet
• Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains above 7,500 feet

What You Should Do

To ensure safety during this high wind event, the NWS recommends the following actions:

• Remain in the lower levels of your home and stay away from windows.
• Watch for falling debris and tree limbs that may be downed by the wind.
• Use caution if you must drive, as travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

Expected Conditions

West winds are forecast to range between 35 and 45 mph, with gusts up to 75 mph possible. These damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines, potentially leading to power outages. Additionally, blowing snow may cause travel concerns and degraded visibility through the central mountains.

Timeline

The High Wind Warning is set to begin at 6:00 PM MDT on Saturday, March 14, and is expected to remain in effect until 3:00 PM MDT on Sunday, March 15.