Strong winds will blow across Colorado starting Wednesday afternoon and may prompt a “targeted public safety power shutoff” to reduce wildfire risks, Xcel Energy warns.
As many as 500,000 customers along the Front Range could lose power, Xcel said. Here’s an overview of what you need to know:
When and where could power outages occur?
Xcel’s public safety power shutoff could start around noon Wednesday, the company said.
The shutoffs could impact the following counties: Adams (approximately 127,000 customers), Arapahoe (2,000), Boulder (102,000), Broomfield (26,000), Denver (9,000), Douglas (800), Jefferson (155,000), Larimer (22,000) and Weld counties (87,000), according to estimates posted on Xcel’s outage map.
Weather conditions are expected to start improving around 6 p.m. Wednesday, the company said.
Xcel Energy outage map
Xcel’s Electric Outage Map shows power outages affecting customers, but the company warns that, “Due to the increased volume of web traffic related to the significant Colorado weather event, site visitors may experience slow load times when viewing the outage map.”
Red flag warning and weather forecast
The National Weather Service in Boulder is forecasting 20-40 mph winds with possible gusts up to 80 mph, and those winds will be “favorable for rapid fire spread” from late morning Wednesday through the afternoon.
There is high confidence in 75-85 mph wind gusts for the mountains and foothills above 9,000 feet of elevation, and medium confidence in over-75 mph wind gusts for portions of the lower foothills and “favored lower elevations” west of I-25, NWS said. “Prepare for difficult crosswinds on roads, possible power outages, and high fire danger.”
Confidence continues to increase in strong downslope winds for Wednesday, peaking in the afternoon. Prepare for difficult crosswinds on roads, possible power outages, and high fire danger. #COwx pic.twitter.com/7yzGtxMVFX
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) December 16, 2025
“Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire,” NWS said, adding that high fire danger is possible through Friday.
How to report a power outage
Xcel customers can report an electric outage online, by texting OUT to 98936 or by calling 800-895-1999.
How to prepare for a power outage
Here are Xcel’s suggested ways to prepare for potential power shut-offs:
- Charge phones, medical devices and backup batteries.
- Plan for food, water, medications and pet needs.
- Protect your computer from power surges with proper electrical connections.
- Sign up to receive emergency alerts in your area.
- Monitor Xcel Energy notifications or notifications from your local energy provider.
Xcel recommends having an “outage kit” with the following items:
- Battery-powered radio or television
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Portable charger
- A phone that does not require electricity
- Nonelectric alarm clock
- Bottled water and nonperishable food
- Manual can opener
- First aid kit
- Extension cords for partial outages
- Manufacturer’s instructions on how to manually open power-operated doors
Where to get Xcel outage updates
- Xcel outage map
- Xcel Energy Colorado’s Facebook page
- Xcel Energy Colorago on X (formerly Twitter)
- Xcel’s Storm Center