Strong winds are blasting Colorado on Tuesday morning, with ‘high wind warnings’ put in effect by the National Weather Service expected to stretch until midnight. Northern and central Colorado are expected to get the gustiest.

The strong winds are already having an impact, too, with a large stretch of Highway 285 closed in both directions due to what’s been described as ‘whiteout conditions,’ just west of where the road intersects with Guanella Pass (from Grant to Fairplay). Meanwhile, the northern portion of Guanella Pass that remains open during the winter has been closed, as well (accurate as of 9:20 a.m.; find real time updates here).

Of the various regional ‘high wind warnings’ that have been issued, the one that was activated in the central and northern mountain region is perhaps most extreme, warning of wind gusts of up to 90 miles per hour and impacting a large area that spans from Breckenridge to Estes Park to Rabbit Ears range. Specifics can be found by clicking into the map on this page.

The National Weather Service reports that trees are expected to be downed in the impacted area, along with power cables. Power outages are possible.

It’s also worth noting that snow is expected in parts of northern Colorado, which could make travel conditions difficult. Meanwhile, some parts of Weld County where no snowpack exists have an elevated fire risk.

Find additional forecasting information for the state here.

STAY INFORMED: Get free Colorado news with our daily newsletter (Click here)