The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has advised motorists to be cautious as high winds are expected to impact the Front Range on December 17, with gusts possibly reaching between 75 and 85 mph. While wind speeds will decrease further east of the foothills, strong winds may still affect parts of the Interstate 25 corridor from Denver northward. The ongoing unseasonably warm and dry winter has also prompted a fire weather watch for the region.
CDOT is urging operators of high-profile vehicles, such as semi-trucks, RVs, vans, buses, and vehicles towing trailers, to monitor conditions closely and consider delaying travel if winds become unsafe. “Strong gusts can cause trailers to sway or tip, particularly on overpasses, bridges and open straightaways on the highway,” according to CDOT. They added that other types of vehicles—including some pick-up trucks and SUVs—can also be affected by high winds.
If CDOT and the Colorado State Patrol determine that wind speeds exceed 60 mph and pose a safety risk, they may issue a High Wind Restriction for specific highway segments. Under these restrictions, high-profile vehicles will be required to park and shelter in place or turn around until it is safe to resume travel. “The restriction helps prevent a truck, trailer or light-weighing vehicles from suddenly entering into another lane or causing a rollover,” CDOT stated.
Commercial drivers are reminded to ensure tire chains are properly secured to avoid dragging them along the roadway—a potential wildfire hazard during dry and windy conditions. Additionally, motorists are asked not to discard cigarette butts out of their vehicles due to increased wildfire risk.
High winds could also result in power outages that may cause traffic signal failures at intersections. In such cases where lights are dark or flashing, drivers should treat intersections as four-way stops: slow down, come to a complete stop, and proceed only when it is safe.
