On January 17, 1982, Boulder, Colorado was hit by a severe windstorm with gusts reaching 137 mph, resulting in significant damage to homes and aircraft. Approximately 40 percent of structures in the city sustained some damage, costing an estimated $20 million. The storm left numerous injuries, and Boulder’s geographic features contributed to the extreme wind conditions experienced during this event.
High winds are often linked with winter storms, hurricanes, or severe thunderstorms. On January 17, 1982, the Front Range of Colorado experienced a devastating windstorm with gusts reminiscent of mountain peaks or hurricane eyewalls. Notably, gusts reached an astounding 137 mph southwest of Boulder at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, where sensors recorded 20 separate gusts of 120 mph or greater.
The storm caused significant destruction, with approximately 40 percent of structures in Boulder—homes, businesses, and public buildings—sustaining damage. Fifty residences were so severely impacted that they were left uninhabitable. Additionally, at Boulder’s airport, 20 small aircraft were destroyed amid the tempest.
The economic toll of the windstorm was approximately $20 million, marking it as the most costly wind event in Colorado’s history at that time, according to the National Weather Service. There were at least 15 reported injuries, primarily minor cuts; however, an elderly woman suffered a broken hip after falling from her mobile home due to the loss of her steps and porch, as reported by UPI.
The Front Range of Colorado is particularly vulnerable to damaging winds that occur when air encounters the mountains and subsequently funnels through canyons and gaps, similar to the Santa Ana winds experienced in Southern California.
This segment was originally featured in the Morning Brief newsletter. Jonathan Erdman, a senior meteorologist with over two decades of experience in weather reporting, can be reached on Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook.
The text discusses a significant weather event, a windstorm that occurred on January 17, 1982, in Boulder, Colorado. Windstorms, often characterized by intense gusts, can lead to widespread damage and injuries. This article highlights the specific impacts of the windstorm on the region, including structural damage and economic costs. It examines the causes of such wind phenomena in relation to Colorado’s geographical features, which create a unique susceptibility to high winds, similar to renowned wind events in California.
The windstorm in Boulder on January 17, 1982, serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and its effects on communities. With gusts exceeding 137 mph, the devastation and injuries resulting from this event underscored the dangers associated with high winds in the Front Range of Colorado. An understanding of these wind patterns is essential for assessing risks and preparing for future weather events.
Original Source: weather.com
