DENVER (KDVR) — A red flag warning is in effect for most of the Denver metro area Monday amid rising fire weather risks, and Xcel Energy is warning its customers about potential energy impacts.
A red flag warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday for 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 National Weather Service in Boulder.
The warning is in effect for winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, and relative humidity as low as 15%.
The energy company is preparing for critical fire weather amid a “rapidly evolving situation,” Xcel officials said in a news release Sunday.
“Xcel Energy is evaluating the potential need to proactively shut down power to customers in Adams, Boulder, Jefferson and eastern Denver counties, Colorado, as a public safety measure to prevent wildfires, beginning Monday, October 20 at approximately 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 sufficient to help prevent wildfires.”
Officials also warned that strong winds in the forecast could cause unplanned power outages unrelated to potential planned outages, and enhanced power line safety settings are being activated across the northern part of the state, meaning power lines are “more sensitive and can quickly stop the flow of power if a problem is detected.”
If this happens, the power remains off until the crew can evaluate whether it is safe to turn it back on.
“These settings are intended to improve public safety during high-risk conditions, but mean that power outages, if they occur, will likely last longer than typical outages,” officials said. He added, “Crews are ready to patrol and restore power when the situation becomes safe.”
Xcel encourages customers with medical equipment that relies on electrical service to take steps to prepare for potential extended service outages, and the company will conduct additional outreach to eligible Medicare customers.