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 El Paso County and the City of Colorado Springs. The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning in effect for El Paso County, including Colorado Springs, until 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8
Meteorologists predict the most impact will occur in southern El Paso, Pueblo and Crowley Counties. North winds between 40-50 miles per hour are predicted, with gusts up to 75 miles per hour possible. Residents should expect possible blown down trees and power lines, power outages, and difficult travel conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles. People should avoid being outdoors in forested areas or around trees or branches. If possible, remain in lower levels of your home during the windstorm, avoid windows, and use extreme caution when driving.
Avoid travel, if possible
If possible, stay indoors and avoid travel. If you must travel, maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel at all times 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/may blow down trees.
Within the City limits: For NON-emergency assistance with downed trees in roadways through the night, City residents can call (719) 385-ROAD or use GoCOS!, the City’s mobile app, which can be found at coloradosprings.gov/gocos. To report a downed street tree, a tree planted within the public right of way, visit coloradosprings.gov/downtree.
Outside of City limits: For assistance with trees or debris that are blocking the roadway, residents outside of the city limits can call 719-520-6460 or use the EPC Citizen Connect App. Residents can also report by visiting citizenconnect.elpasoco.com/.
Please note: Downed trees on private property are the responsibility of the owner. Contact home insurance or a private tree removal company. Neither the City nor County respond to calls about trees on private property. If there a threat to life safety or a power line is involved, please call 9-1-1.
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. If you see this, stay away from the line and/or tree, and immediately contact your utility provider.
- Colorado Springs Utilities: csu.org/Pages/StormCenter.aspx or 719-448-4800 or dial 911.
- To reduce call volume and expedite emergency-related calls during this wind storm event, Colorado Springs Utilities asks customers to use its online outage map at csu.org for electric outage information and status updates, and to not call 448-4800 unless a customer is reporting a downed electric line, a tree into an electric line, or some other utilities-related emergency that poses a safety risk.
- Mountain View Electric: mvea.coop/outage-center/outage-reporting/ or 800-388-9881
- City of Fountain Utilities: 719-322-2010
- Black Hills Energy: blackhillsenergy.com/outages or 888-890-5554
Colorado Springs Airport flight information
For information about flight status for the Colorado Springs Airport visit flycos.com or contact the individual airline.