Winds leave thousands without power in Colorado

DENVER -- It could be midday Thursday before electricity is restored to everyone who lost power in the Denver area after powerful winds.

Xcel Energy Inc. says the blackouts affected about 50,000 customers in Denver, Fort Collins and Greeley starting at 10 p.m. Tuesday. Crews restored service to most by midday Wednesday.

About 5,500 were still without power Wednesday evening, and the company said it could be noon Thursday everyone's service is restored.

The National Weather Service said gusts of up to 60 mph were reported in the Denver area and the northeast Colorado plains Tuesday night.

Gusts of 46 mph were reported in the northern Colorado town of Loveland on Wednesday. Fort Morgan, Akron and Holyoke in northeastern Colorado reported 40 mph gusts.

The Weather Service issued a high wind warning for much of northeastern Colorado, with sustained winds of up to 40 mph and gusts of up to 60 mph possible.

A red flag warning was issued for eastern and southeastern Colorado, saying high wind and low humidity created very high to extreme fire danger. Sustained winds of up to 30 mph and gusts of up to 55 mph were forecast in that area.