Watch CBS News

Winds Near 100 mph Roar Through Colorado, Causing Damage & Sparking Fires

By Chris Spears

DENVER (CBS4) - A powerful jet stream roaring over Colorado created hurricane force winds on Thursday, blowing out some car windows around Estes Park and fanning wildfires near Cañon City and in rural Weld County.

Grass Fire
Firefighters battle a grass fire in rural Weld County. (credit: CBS)

Firefighters in Pueblo County were able to stop a wildfire from burning two homes near Pueblo West.

High winds damaged the large IKEA sign next to Interstate 25 on Thursday evening and forced authorities to shut down the highway while repairs were done.

Some trees were also blown down in the Denver metro area.

Tree Damage
(credit: Chris Henning)

Winds gusts of 30-60 mph were reported on Colorado's eastern plains with gusts of 60-100 mph in the mountains and on the western slope.

Capture
(credit: CBS)

Some of the highest gusts as of 5 p.m. include...

97 mph - 2 miles NW of Glen Haven (Larimer County)
97 mph - 7 miles S of Frisco (Summit County)
97 mph - 2 miles SSE of Loveland Pass (Summit County)
90 mph - 10 miles S of Westcliffe (Custer County)
87 mph - 5 miles ESE of Wetmore (Pueblo County)
86 mph - Mount Abrams (Ouray County)
84 mph - Monarch Pass (Chaffee County)
82 mph - 1 mile N of San Isabel (Custer County)
78 mph - 1 mile N of Pikes Peak (El Paso County)
78 mph - 1 mile E of Berthoud Pass (Clear Creek County)
72 mph - 5 miles NNE of Rosita (Custer County)
67 mph - 3 miles NNW of Colorado City (Pueblo County)
62 mph - 9 miles NNW of Woodland Park (Teller County)
61 mph - 5 miles NNE of Pueblo West (Pueblo County)
61 mph - Kremmling (Grand County)
61 mph - 2 miles SW of Swamp Angel (San Juan County)
60 mph - 4 miles E of Crystola (El Paso County)
59 mph - 5 miles N of Walsenburg (Huerfano County)
59 mph - 1 mile WNW of Air Force Academy (El Paso County)
58 mph - 2 miles N of Del Norte (Rio Grande County)
55 mph - 1 mile ESE of Craig (Moffat County)
54 mph - 2 miles NNW of Montrose (Montrose County)
52 mph - 2 miles S of Cañon City (Fremont County)
52 mph - Denver International Airport
51 mph - Eagle (Eagle County)
50 mph - 2 miles SSW of Vail (Eagle County)
50 mph - 3 miles NNE of Grand Junction (Mesa County)
50 mph - 1 mile S of Meeker (Rio Blanco County)

Meteorologist Chris Spears writes about stories related to weather and climate in Colorado. Check out his bio, connect with him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.