High wind warnings, fire weather alerts issued across Sidney region

SIDNEY, Neb. — High wind warnings and critical fire weather alerts have been issued across portions of the Nebraska Panhandle, southeast Wyoming and northeast Colorado as another round of strong winds moves into the region.

The National Weather Service in Cheyenne said high wind warnings are in effect beginning Tuesday across much of southeast Wyoming, with warnings expanding into parts of the southern Nebraska Panhandle on Wednesday.

A High Wind Warning is in effect from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday for Banner, Kimball, Laramie and Goshen counties. Forecasters expect west winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Strong crosswinds could make travel hazardous for light-weight or high-profile vehicles, including campers and tractor trailers.

A High Wind Watch remains in effect Wednesday morning through Wednesday afternoon for Scotts Bluff and Cheyenne counties, including the cities of Sidney, Gering and Scottsbluff. Winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph are possible.

The hazardous weather outlook indicates windy conditions will continue into Wednesday evening, with periods of very windy weather expected through Friday.

Farther south, the National Weather Service in Denver/Boulder has issued a Red Flag Warning through 5 p.m. Tuesday for parts of northeast Colorado, including areas along the I-25 corridor and the northeast plains. Winds in the foothills could gust as high as 80 mph, with relative humidity dropping as low as 7 percent. Officials warn conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread and advise against outdoor burning or activities that could produce sparks.