Topic overview
In brief
- A microburst struck Greeley, Colorado, around 2 p.m. on Saturday, causing significant damage.
- The incident resulted in multiple power lines being knocked down and a grassland fire near Highway 34.
- Emergency services are responding to the situation, and power restoration estimates vary for affected customers.
Summary
On Saturday, August 8, 2026, a microburst struck Greeley, Colorado, resulting in extensive damage to power lines and surrounding vegetation. The incident occurred around 2 p.m., leading to multiple power lines being knocked down and snapped. In addition to the power lines, numerous trees and branches were also broken due to the strong winds associated with the microburst. Eyewitness footage captured the aftermath, showing significant destruction in the area. The Colorado Department of Transportation reported a burn scar along U.S. 85 near Highway 34, indicating the severity of the incident.
The Greeley Police Department announced that the interchange at highways 85 and 34 was closed due to a grassland fire that was likely exacerbated by the microburst. Fire and police personnel were deployed to the scene to manage the situation, but there was no immediate estimate for when the affected lanes would be reopened. The incident also led to widespread power outages, with Xcel Energy's outage map indicating 41 outages affecting approximately 3,902 customers in the surrounding area. Restoration estimates varied by location, adding to the uncertainty for residents.