The Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management is closely monitoring weather conditions, and local officials stand ready to respond to impacts resulting from high winds in and around Colorado Springs. The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning in effect for El Paso County, including Colorado Springs from 10 p.m. this evening through 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30.
Meteorologists predict the most impact will occur along the eastern slopes of Pikes Peak, Rampart Range and along the I-25 corridor. Winds are forecasted at 30-40 mph with gusts up to 85 mph possible. Residents should seek shelter and secure outdoor furniture and holiday decorations.
Avoid travel, if possible
The National Weather Service emphasizes that high winds make travel hazardous, especially for high profile vehicles on the North/South corridors, such as I-25 due to high wind gusts and flying debris.
If possible, stay indoors and avoid travel. If you must travel, always maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel and be prepared for sudden shifts in wind speed or direction and be vigilant of flying debris.
Traffic intersections may be without power. Motorists should treat all darkened intersections as a four-way stop.
Watch for and obey any travel restrictions and stay tuned to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for updates.
Residents should only call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.
Downed Trees
Damaging winds will blow down trees.
For NON-emergency assistance with downed trees in roadways through the night, residents can call (719) 385-ROAD.
To report a downed street tree, a tree planted within the public right of way, visit https://citizenconnect.elpasoco.com
Power lines or power outages
Residents should be on the lookout for fallen power lines or trees that have come into contact with a power line.
Downed power lines can look relatively harmless, but don’t be fooled. They likely carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or possibly death. IF you see this, stay away from the line and/or tree, and immediately call your local utility company or call 911.
Here are some safety tips to help you stay safe around downed power lines:
- If you see a downed power line, move away from the line and avoid touching it.
- The proper way to move away from the line is to shuffle with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock. Electricity wants to move from a high voltage zone to a low voltage one—and it could do that through your body.
- If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed line, do not touch the person. You could become the next victim. Call 911 instead.
- Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line by using another object such as a broom or stick. Even normally non-conductive materials like wood or cloth, if slightly wet, can conduct electricity and electrocute you.
- Be careful not to put your feet near water where a downed power line is located.
- Do not drive over downed lines.
- If you are in a vehicle that is in contact with a downed line, stay in the vehicle. Honk your horn for help and tell others to stay away from your vehicle.
- Do not touch or attempt to move wires that might not normally be electrically charged as the high winds may have brought then into contact high voltage lines.
Colorado Springs Airport flight information
For information about flight status for the Colorado Springs Airport visit www.flycos.com or call the individual airline.