100-plus mph wind hits Colorado Springs, but city escapes largely unscathed

While the high-speed winds that ripped through Colorado Springs on Thursday and Friday were reminiscent of the Dec. 15, 2021, windstorm that tore large trees in half and caused tens of thousands to lose power, residents were spared the same level of damage this time around.

The strongest wind gusts affected the state from the New Mexico to Wyoming border along Interstate 25, according to Kyle Mozley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Pueblo. The highest wind speed of 105 mph was clocked at the Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station in southwest Colorado Springs, he said.

Top wind speeds in Colorado: 105 mph clocked in Colorado Springs

While the worst of the wind came in the early morning hours Friday, wind gusts reaching 40 to 70 mph are still likely over the eastern plains through sunset.

“Anywhere along the I-25 corridor has had high winds,” Mozley said. “It’s not just one specific area. That high wind is now moving out onto the plains.”

A semi truck lies on its side along the southbound lanes of Interstate 25, just south of the Interquest Parkway exit Friday morning, Dec. 2, 2022, after a storm with wind gusts up to 105 mph hit the Colorado Springs area over night. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)
A semi truck lies on its side along the southbound lanes of Interstate 25, just south of the Interquest Parkway exit Friday morning, Dec. 2, 2022, after a storm with wind gusts up to 105 mph hit the Colorado Springs area over night. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)

Almost a year ago, a devastating windstorm wreaked havoc throughout Colorado Springs, toppling semi trailers, tearing down centuries-old trees and causing widespread power outages. Wind gusts reached 100 mph during that storm, and more than 34,000 residents lost power.

Extreme winds hit 100 mph in Colorado Springs; 25,000-plus without power; trees, trucks toppled

In anticipation of an equally devastating windstorm, the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management alerted residents to prepare for blown-down trees and power lines. Crews with the Public Works and Forestry departments met at 6:30 a.m. Friday to “sharpen saws” and coordinate response plans, said city forester Dennis Will.

A semi truck lies on its side along the southbound lanes of Interstate 25, just south of the Interquest Parkway exit Friday morning, Dec. 2, 2022, after a storm with wind gusts up to 105 mph hit the Colorado Springs area over night. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)
A semi truck lies on its side along the southbound lanes of Interstate 25, just south of the Interquest Parkway exit Friday morning, Dec. 2, 2022, after a storm with wind gusts up to 105 mph hit the Colorado Springs area over night. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)

“But it’s really been a non-story for us,” Will said. “There might be half a dozen to a dozen (calls for service) on the southwest edge of town, but it’s really been nothing. We dodged a bullet, if you will.”

Will said most calls came from the Broadmoor area and Old Colorado City, and that other than two toppled trees that were quickly removed, debris has mostly come in the form of small branches.

Colorado Springs weather: More delays, closures amid windstorm Friday

Young hikers explore Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, the two fallen trees from Thursday night's wind storm that blew over, damaging the sidewalk in the parking lot across the street from the Starsmore Discovery Center at North Cheyenne Canon. Wind gusts up to 105 mph were reported in Colorado Springs area over night. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)
Young hikers explore Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, the two fallen trees from Thursday night’s wind storm that blew over, damaging the sidewalk in the parking lot across the street from the Starsmore Discovery Center at North Cheyenne Canon. Wind gusts up to 105 mph were reported in Colorado Springs area over night. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)

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