Xcel warns of power outages amid high winds and wildfire danger in Boulder County

Boulder County residents should prepare for power outages this week amid a Thursday high-wind watch along the Front Range that could bring wind gusts up to 80 mph, Xcel Energy said.

The energy utility is warning that the elevated risk of wildfires could spur outages, according to an Xcel social media post. Power lines will be on Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings, which means lines are more sensitive and could cut the flow of electricity if something, like a tree branch, touches them, according to Xcel spokesperson Lisa Andersen.

The warning comes amid a high wind watch, which is forecast to bring sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph on Thursday to the base of the foothills in the Boulder County plains below 6,000 feet of elevation, according to the National Weather Service. Wind gusts in the plains could reach 80 mph near the base of the foothills, which could fan any wildfires that may spark, according to NWS.

Boulder is one of the locations forecast to feel the brunt of the wind, according to the alert.

Winds are expected to be stronger up in the foothills, with sustained winds from 35 to 50 mph for elevations between 6,000 and 9,000 feet, and gusts up to 90 mph, according to NWS.

The high wind watch is in effect from late Wednesday night in the foothills to late Thursday night, and from early Thursday morning to late Thursday night in the plains below 6,000 feet, according to NWS.

The weather service recommends people fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe location and use extra caution while driving, according to NWS.

People should charge their phones, laptops and medical devices on Wednesday night, according to a Boulder Fire-Rescue social media post. Keeping vehicles fueled, checking flashlights and batteries, backing up critical information like phone numbers and talking with one’s family about a plan for a power outage is also advised, according to the post.

Boulder fire also recommends people sign up for BOCOAlert, Boulder County’s emergency text, email and call alert system, according to another social media post.