High Wind — Denver Metropolitan Area, Colorado

1998-11-10 · Denver Metropolitan Area, Colorado

Wider weather episode

Strong bora winds gusting from 70 to 92 mph (80 kts), coupled with blowing snow, created whiteout and slick black ice conditions at the base of the Front Range Foothills. State Highway 93, between Golden and Boulder, and C-470, near the Morrison interchange, were closed for several hours due to multiple accidents. Dozens of motorists were stranded until weather conditions improved. A small motor home was a total loss when it caught fire after being blown on its side by strong crosswinds. A man was injured when he was blown off the vehicle while attempting to rescue the occupants.Peak wind gusts included: 92 mph (80 kts) at Blue Mountain near Coal Creek, 83 mph (72 kts) atop Fritz Peak near Rollinsville, 77 mph (67 kts) at Jefferson County Airport, 76 mph (66 kts) 2.5 miles south of Estes Park, with 73 mph (63 kts) registered atop Loveland Pass and 9 miles west southwest of Rustic.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5672126. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.