Denver Faces Power Shutoffs on Risk of Hurricane-Force Gusts (1)

Xcel Energyis preparing customers in the Rocky Mountain region for preemptive blackouts to help reduce the risk of wildfires as strong, dry winds threaten to knock down power lines.

The utility said it would likely shut off power starting at about noon Wednesday to some customers in nine counties including Denver, according to the company’s website. A stretch of near-record warm weather and dry conditions has created the potential for blazes in the area.

“It looks like a pretty formidable event,” said Scott Kleebauer, a forecaster with the US Weather Prediction Center. “It is going to be a ...