power companies in colorado announced on Saturday It said it was cutting power to about 55,000 customers due to wildfire concerns as strong winds up to 160 mph battered the state.
“We have made the decision to proactively shut down power lines,” Xcel Energy said in a statement, primarily impacting customers in Boulder, Broomfield, Douglas, Gilpin, Jefferson and Larimer counties. I did,” he said.
The closure was expected to begin at 3pm local time and last until at least midday Sunday. “Outages are likely to continue beyond that period as crews will be required to physically inspect power lines,” the company said.
“The temporary power outage is to prevent the power system from becoming a source of wildfire ignition,” the company said in a statement.
National Weather Service, Boulder, Colorado; said on social media Winds will pick up in the afternoon and evening, with the strongest winds expected between 6pm Saturday and 6am Sunday.
Wind gusts of 80 to 160 mph are expected in the foothills and nearby areas. Other areas could see wind gusts of 55 to 70 mph.
The Storm Prediction Center warned that “new fires are likely to spread rapidly” and that “extremely dangerous fire weather is expected from parts of southeastern Colorado to the Oklahoma Panhandle and southwestern Kansas.” '' he warned.
Parts of five states are under fire hazard warnings, including Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas, the center said.
More than 77,000 people were in areas deemed to be at “extreme” risk of fire, and more than 2.9 million were in areas deemed to be at “critical”.
A portion of Interstate 70 in Kansas was closed due to high winds, poor visibility and a crash that shut down the highway, the Kansas Department of Transportation said. said on social media.
Forecasters said power outages, broken tree branches and flying dust were all expected due to the winds.
The National Weather Service said people in areas affected by high winds should “avoid activities that could produce sparks” and stay indoors if possible.
“Turning off power to customers is not something we take lightly,” Xcel Energy said, noting it is “a last resort that can save lives.”
“Customers with medical equipment that relies on electrical power supplies should take steps to prepare for extended power outages,” the company said.
South Metro Fire Rescue, which covers about 300 square miles of the southern Denver metropolitan area, says people who rely on oxygen tanks should “make sure they have enough extra bottles to last until Sunday, or share them with family and friends. They should consider spending time together or staying in a hotel.” It is outside the planned power outage area. ”
It also recommended that outdoor stoves not be used indoors for heating or cooking.
“If you use a generator, keep it in a well-ventilated area away from outdoor windows,” the ministry said.
