WIND AND FIRE DANGER: TARGETED BLACKOUTS POSSIBLE

Damaging winds are forecast for Wednesday and Xcel Energy is planning targeted outages along the Front Range to reduce the risk of downed powerlines igniting fires. The cautionary blackouts are possible starting at noon Wednesday, the utility says. Weather forecasters warn winds may be especially harsh along the I-25 corridor between Castle Rock and the New Mexico state line. "There is the potential for gusts of 75 mph or more in and near the mountains," the National Weather Service in Pueblo advises. "Travel along I-25 could be hazardous due to dangerous cross winds, especially Wednesday afternoon and evening."