January 17, 1982, witnessed a severe windstorm in Colorado’s Front Range, with gusts reaching 137 mph. The storm caused damages amounting to $20 million, impacting 40 percent of properties in Boulder and resulting in 15 injuries. Boulder’s unique geography contributes to its susceptibility to such destructive winds.
On January 17, 1982, a powerful windstorm struck the Front Range of Colorado, producing gusts that rival hurricane winds. Recorded gusts reached 137 mph southwest of Boulder at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, with 20 instances of gusts reaching 120 mph or more. The storm inflicted substantial damage, affecting approximately 40 percent of Boulder’s residential and commercial structures, leaving fifty homes uninhabitable, and destroying twenty small planes at the local airport.
The ferocious winds caused an estimated $20 million in damages, marking it as the costliest windstorm in Colorado’s history at that time, as reported by the National Weather Service. The storm resulted in at least 15 injuries, predominantly minor cuts, although one elderly woman suffered a broken hip when strong winds dislodged her steps and porch from her mobile home, according to UPI.
The Front Range of Colorado is particularly vulnerable to such intense winds, which occur when air is forced against the mountains and compresses through canyons and gaps, reminiscent of the Santa Ana winds experienced in Southern California. These unique atmospheric conditions can yield catastrophic weather events, as illustrated by the devastation caused in Boulder during this historic windstorm.
Windstorms are often linked to various weather phenomena, including winter storms and hurricanes. The event in Boulder serves as an example of how localized atmospheric conditions can create extreme wind events, often resulting in significant damage to infrastructure and posing risks to public safety. Understanding these events helps in comprehending climate patterns and enhances preparedness for similar occurrences in the future.
The windstorm that impacted Boulder on January 17, 1982, remains a significant weather event in Colorado history, illustrating the destructive power of wind. The generated gusts caused unparalleled damage, injuring residents and damaging property extensively. Notably, this incident emphasizes the vulnerability of Colorado’s Front Range to severe wind events and serves as a reminder of the importance of weather preparedness.
Original Source: weather.com
