High winds cause outages, spark fires and prompt evacuations across region

(Photo Courtesy: Scottsbluff Fire Department)

SIDNEY, Neb. — Powerful winds sweeping across the Nebraska Panhandle, southeast Wyoming and northeast Colorado on Tuesday have caused widespread power outages, downed lines, hazardous travel and multiple wind-driven fires, as High Wind and Red Flag warnings remain in effect.

High West Energy reported widespread outages across its Nebraska service territory Tuesday afternoon, with 94 active outages affecting 211 customers in the Panhandle. Crews were patrolling lines and working to restore service.

“We are doing our best to get everyone back on. Please stay safe in this wind,” the utility said in a statement. Updates are available at highwest.coop/outage-center.

Wind gusts across the region have exceeded 60 mph. Automated Surface Observing System reports showed a gust of 71.4 mph at Torrington Municipal Airport in Wyoming. Harrisburg recorded a 64.4 mph gust, while Scottsbluff reached 63.3 mph. Sidney and Kimball both reported gusts at 57.5 mph, and Chadron recorded 59.8 mph.

Shortly after 1:30 p.m., the Scottsbluff Fire Department responded to a report of power lines down at the 27th Street Business Center. While crews were en route, dispatch advised that a tree had caught fire as a result of the downed lines. Upon arrival, firefighters found a detached service mast and meter box caused by high winds. Smoldering leaves near a gas meter were extinguished. Businesses were advised they would be without power until repairs are completed.

In northeast Colorado, several fire agencies and local farmers responded to a large vegetation fire that originated in Weld County and spread into Morgan County. The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office said the wind-driven fire crossed into the area south of Wiggins and north of Hoyt, north of Highway 52 and south of Morgan County Road H, east of Morgan County Road 1.

The Morgan County Emergency Manager issued an emergency evacuation alert for that area. The Wiggins Community Church opened its doors to evacuees. Command officials said the fire was approximately 50% contained as of Tuesday afternoon.

The National Weather Service in Cheyenne said west winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph are expected through 8 p.m. Tuesday across the Nebraska Panhandle region. Blowing dust may reduce visibility at times, and strong crosswinds are hazardous for high-profile vehicles, including campers and tractor trailers.

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. for much of the Nebraska Panhandle, northeast Colorado and southeast Wyoming. Relative humidity values between 10 and 20 percent combined with strong winds have created extremely critical fire weather conditions. Officials warned that any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and advised against outdoor burning.

Authorities continue to urge residents to secure loose objects, avoid travel in high-profile vehicles if possible and refrain from any activity that could spark a fire.