Strong winds are set to blast the Front Range on Wednesday, expected to increase fire risk, result in hazardous flying debris, and make travel dangerous in some areas for certain vehicles. Xcel Energy even has plans to shut off power to about 50,000 Colorado residents (in certain high-risk parts of Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties) in an effort to mitigate fire concerns.

According to the National Weather Service, widespread gusts of about 60 to 65 miles per hour are expected, with some areas that are particularly prone to strong winds having the potential for wind speeds of up to 90 miles per hour. The strongest winds are expected during the afternoon hours, though gusty conditions should continue into the evening.

Here’s a look at maximum wind speeds that are expected in a few major Colorado population centers through Thursday morning (and remember, some exceptional gusts higher than these numbers could hit more localized areas):

• Akron: 50 to 55 MPH
• Aspen: 40 to 45 MPH
• Bennett: 30 to 35 MPH
• Breckenridge: 50 to 55 MPH
• Boulder: 55 to 60 MPH
• Buena Vista: 40 to 45 MPH
• Burlington: 40 to 45 MPH
• Castle Rock: 40 to 45 MPH
• Colorado Springs: 60 to 65 MPH
• Denver: 45 to 50 MPH
• Estes Park: 55 to 60 MPH
• Evergreen: 50 to 55 MPH
• Fairplay: 60 to 65 MPH
• Fort Collins: 35 to 40 MPH
• Fort Morgan: 40 to 45 MPH
• Granby: 45 to 50 MPH
• Greeley: 35 to 40 MPH
• Julesberg: 35 to 40 MPH
• Kremmling: 40 to 45 MPH
• Lake George: 45 to 50 MPH
• Limon: 30 to 35 MPH
• Red Feather Lakes: 70 to 75 MPH
• Sterling: 45 to 50 MPH
• Vail: 50 to 55 MPH
• Walden: 50 to 55 MPH
• Wray: 35 to 40 MPH

Those headed to Colorado’s ski resorts should expect potential wind holds on lifts, particularly at spots found in the Central Mountains. Travel hazards include potential flipping of high-profile vehicles, blowing dust limiting visibility, and flying debris.

It’s also worth noting that the strong winds will mean additional danger for hikers in impacted areas, too. When winds like this blow through, tree limbs and beetle-kill can fall, posing a potentially fatal risk.

Various ‘Red Flag’ warnings and ‘High Wind’ warnings have been posted related to the strong winds. Find additional details related to these alerts here.

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