KEY POINTS
- Fierce winds across the Great Plains have sparked fast-moving wildfires in Oklahoma and Kansas.
- Dangerous conditions contributed to a 30-vehicle crash in Colorado that killed multiple people.
- Fire weather warnings cover hundreds of thousands of residents across several central US states.
Powerful winds swept across the US central Plains on Tuesday, creating extreme fire risk and dangerous travel conditions. Meteorologists recorded gusts exceeding 60 miles per hour in parts of Colorado, Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma. Dry air and dead vegetation intensified the threat across the High Plains.
The National Weather Service issued red-flag warnings from the Texas Panhandle to South Dakota. Strong winds reduced visibility and stirred heavy dust across highways. Drivers faced hazardous conditions as gusts created near-zero visibility in some areas.
On Interstate 25 south of Pueblo, Colorado, a crash involving more than 30 vehicles occurred during blowing dust. State police confirmed at least four fatalities. Authorities reported 29 additional people suffered injuries ranging from minor to serious.
Officials said the sudden wind surge developed quickly and caught drivers off guard. Dust clouds severely limited sightlines near the crash site. Emergency responders worked to clear vehicles and assist victims amid unstable weather.
Wildfires ignited rapidly across several Plains states during the afternoon. A blaze near Woodward, Oklahoma forced evacuation orders for thousands of residents. Northwestern Oklahoma State University temporarily closed due to nearby fire threats.
Earlier, a fire in Beaver County, Oklahoma burned tens of thousands of acres. By evening, flames spread into southwest Kansas. Officials evacuated more than 11,000 residents from towns including Englewood and Ashland.
Emergency managers coordinated with state forestry teams and first responders to contain the fires. Authorities warned that strong winds and dry conditions could keep fire danger elevated for several days.
The extreme weather raised concerns for communities and firefighting crews across the region. Officials urged residents to monitor updates and follow evacuation instructions. Travel and outdoor restrictions remain active in high-risk areas as unstable conditions persist into the week.
