Extreme Weather Hits Colorado: Blizzards, Fires, and Blackouts Loom

Heavy snow, high winds, and fire warnings across the state as a dangerous storm system moves in.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A powerful winter storm is set to bring blizzard conditions, extreme winds, and high fire danger to Colorado this week. The National Weather Service has issued a range of warnings, including up to 24 inches of snow in the mountains, winds up to 85 mph, and critical fire weather across the Front Range and eastern plains. Travel is expected to be treacherous, with the Colorado Department of Transportation warning of poor visibility, drifting snow, and potential power outages.

Why it matters

This extreme weather event has the potential to cause significant disruption and damage across Colorado. The combination of heavy snow, high winds, and fire risk poses a serious threat to public safety, transportation, and infrastructure. Residents and officials will need to closely monitor the situation and be prepared to respond accordingly.

The details

The storm is expected to bring two main periods of concern - a snow squall on Tuesday morning that will affect all mountain areas, and another on Wednesday evening that will hit the central mountains. Western Colorado could see 14 to 24 inches of snow, while the eastern plains and Front Range face sustained winds of 30-40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. A red flag fire warning will be in effect on Tuesday for the entire Front Range and eastern plains below 6,000 feet due to critically dry fuels and high winds.

  • The storm is expected to impact Colorado from Tuesday, February 17 through Thursday, February 19.
  • The heaviest snow is forecast for Tuesday through Thursday morning, with the strongest winds on Tuesday from 9am to 5pm.
  • A red flag fire warning will be in effect on Tuesday, February 17 from 10am to 7pm.
  • The 'windiest, driest' conditions are expected across Elbert and Lincoln counties on Wednesday and Thursday.
  • The Colorado Department of Transportation has issued a travel alert warning of dangerous driving conditions in the mountains through Thursday.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather warnings and advisories.

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)

The state agency that manages Colorado's transportation infrastructure and issues travel alerts.

9News

A local Denver television news station that has been closely tracking the developing weather situation.

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What’s next

The Colorado Department of Transportation has advised drivers to be prepared for hazardous travel conditions, including poor visibility, drifting snow, and potential power outages. Residents across the state should closely monitor weather forecasts and heed any warnings or advisories from local authorities.

The takeaway

This powerful winter storm poses a serious threat to Colorado, with the potential for heavy snow, extreme winds, and heightened fire risk. State and local officials will need to coordinate closely to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions, while residents should take steps to prepare for the challenging conditions ahead.