Winds leave thousands without power in Colorado

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

Xcel Energy 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.

Gusts up to 40 mph gusts were reported midday Wednesday in a handful of northern and northeastern Colorado communities.

The wind and low humidity prompted forecasters to issue a red flag warning for eastern and southeastern Colorado, meaning the danger of fire is very high to extreme.