DENVER (KDVR) — A red flag warning is in effect for most of the Denver metro area on Monday amid elevated fire weather risks, and Xcel Energy is warning its customers of potential power impacts.
The red flag warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday in Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas and Broomfield counties and parts of Boulder, Jefferson, Park, Gilpin and Clear Creek counties, as well as much of eastern Colorado, according to the National Weather Service in Boulder.
The warning is in effect for winds between 25 to 35 mph, with gusts of up to 50 mph, and relative humidity as low as 15%.
Xcel officials in a Sunday press release said the energy company is preparing for critical fire weather amid a “rapidly evolving situation.”
“Xcel Energy is evaluating the potential need to proactively turn off power for customers in Adams, Boulder, Jefferson and eastern Denver counties, Colorado as a public safety measure to prevent wildfires, starting on Monday, Oct. 20, at around 11 a.m.,” officials said. “Temporarily shutting off power – known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) – is not a step taken lightly and is only used when other methods are not enough to help prevent wildfires.”
Officials also warned that the strong winds in the forecast could cause unplanned power outages unrelated to potential planned ones, and Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings are activated across the northern part of the state, meaning power lines are “more sensitive and can quickly stop the flow of energy if an issue is detected.”
If that happens, the power stays shut off until crews can assess the safety to turn it back on.
“These settings are intended to improve public safety during heightened risk conditions, but it means power outages, if they occur, are likely to last longer than typical outages,” officials said. “Crews are standing by, ready to conduct patrols and restore power once it’s safe.”
Xcel encourages customers who have medical equipment that relies on electric service to take steps to prepare for potential extended outages, and the company will be conducting additional outreach for qualifying medical customers.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
