DENVER — The powerful winds that slammed Colorado on Tuesday whipped up fires and dust, causing fire evacuations and visibility issues for drivers that contributed to a deadly pile-up on Interstate 25.
Tuesday’s winds had a sustained force of up to 35 mph in some areas and gusts reaching 71 mph, the highest recorded speed as of 4 p.m. Tuesday.
That 71 mph wind speed was clocked at Berthoud Pass, which was dealing with blowing snow and near-whiteout conditions, according to the National Weather Service…