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High Wind Warning Issued for NWKS: Two Rounds of Dangerous Winds Expected Through Thursday
- Kristina Hemel
- Dec 17, 2025
- 3 min read
A strong cold front moving through the region tonight will bring a significant wind event to the entire NWKS Radio listening area, prompting a High Wind Warning from the National Weather Service in Goodland. Northwest winds of 50 to 60 mph will develop this evening, followed by a second, longer-lasting surge of high winds on Thursday that could produce gusts up to 65 mph, along with areas of blowing dust.
Two Rounds of High Winds Expected
Round One: Wednesday Evening into Early Thursday
The first round of strong winds will arrive quickly as the cold front moves through Wednesday evening. Gusts of 50 to 60 mph are expected across northwest Kansas, southwest Nebraska, and eastern Colorado from approximately 10 PM Wednesday through 7 AM Thursday (CT). This round will be a fast-moving “hit” of strong winds accompanying the frontal passage.
Winds are expected to weaken briefly prior to sunrise Thursday, but residents are urged not to let their guard down.
Round Two: Thursday Morning Through Afternoon
A second and more prolonged round of high winds will develop after sunrise Thursday, with winds strengthening again after 8 AM MT / 9 AM CT. The strongest winds are expected from mid-morning through mid-afternoon, with peak impacts occurring between 9 AM and 3 PM CT.
During this time, gusts up to 65 mph are possible, especially along and east of Highway 25 from Trenton, Nebraska to Russell Springs, Kansas. This period also brings the best chance for localized dust storms, which could rapidly reduce visibility.
Areas Under the High Wind Warning
The High Wind Warning remains in effect from 5 PM MST / 6 PM CST Wednesday through 5 PM MST / 6 PM CST Thursday for much of the NWKS Radio listening area, including communities such as Colby, Goodland, Oakley, Tribune, Hoxie, Atwood, Sharon Springs, Hill City, McCook, Trenton, Burlington, Wray, Cheyenne Wells, and surrounding areas.
Travel and Safety Concerns
The National Weather Service warns that high winds may:
Move loose debris and damage property
Cause power outages
Make travel hazardous, especially for high-profile vehicles
Create pockets of blowing dust with rapidly changing visibility
Increase the risk of grass and vehicle-caused fires due to dry fuels and low humidity
Outdoor Christmas decorations are especially vulnerable and should be secured as soon as possible.
Fire Weather Concerns
Dry fuels combined with strong winds and relative humidity as low as 20–30% could result in rapid fire growth on Thursday if a fire starts. Static-caused fires cannot be ruled out.
Residents are encouraged to:
Avoid driving or parking on dry grass or brush
Secure tow chains and ensure nothing is dragging beneath vehicles
Make sure vehicle brakes and tires are in good condition
Driving Safety Tips During High Winds
If you must travel during the wind event:
Slow down and allow extra space between vehicles
Keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel
Be alert for sudden gusts, especially near open fields
Watch for blowing dust that can reduce visibility quickly
High-profile vehicles should avoid travel if possible
Closings, Cancellations, and Updates
With the wind event ongoing, closings and cancellations are beginning to come in. NWKS Radio will continue to keep that list updated at nwksradio.net. You can also text the word CLOSING to 785-460-0790 to receive a direct link to the latest updates.
Stay tuned to NWKS Radio stations — 100.3 The Ride, RockIt 102.5, KXXX 790, 730 Goodland’s Gold KLOE, and FlyOver Country 97.9 — either on-air or streaming at nwksradio.net, and follow NWKS Radio on Facebook for the latest weather updates and safety information.
Use caution over the next 24 hours, and stay weather-aware as this high wind event unfolds across northwest Kansas and the surrounding region.
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