High Wind — Southern Sangre De Cristo Mountains Above 11000 Ft, Colorado

2017-01-09 · Southern Sangre De Cristo Mountains Above 11000 Ft, Colorado

Wider weather episode

A long-lasting high wind episode occurred across the eastern part of the area. Strong winds aloft, and a long-lasting mountain top stable layer generated widespread high winds and damage. Damage included downed power poles, causing numerous power outages to tens of thousands of customers; uprooted trees; roof damage; numerous overturned semi-trailers in El Paso County. Winds gusted between 58 and 75 mph across many locations across the eastern mountains and I-25 corridor. Areas in the immediate lee of the eastern mountains experienced gusts between 80 and 100 mph. Gusts over 100 mph occurred on the southwest side of Colorado Springs, causing widespread damage and two fatalities.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 674056. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.