(SOUTHERN COLORADO) — A heads up for drivers planning to travel through southeastern Colorado on Friday, March 14–much of the area’s roads are closed due to high wind and safety concerns, so the best plan is to use an alternate route or simply plan to travel another day.

A plethora of roads south and east of Colorado Springs are closed as of Friday afternoon, cutting off major travel routes from the I-25 corridor east to the Kansas border.

Courtesy: Colorado Department of Transportation

The roads that are currently experiencing closures include:

US 40 from Kit Carson to Limon

US 385 from Cheyenne Wells to Granada

US 287 between US 50 and County Road A (9 miles north of Eads)

CO 96 from Ordway to the Kansas border

US 50 from Las Animas to the Kansas border

US 287 from Lamar to the Oklahoma border

All of the counties shaded in purple on the map above are under a high wind warning. Many of the impacted roads have been closed due to blowing dust and safety concerns resulting from low visibility. The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning that travel will be dangerous and possibly life-threatening, with damaging winds capable of toppling power lines and trees. Widespread power outages are expected.

The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) posted on social media Friday afternoon, and warned that there had already been numerous crashes on the southeastern plains, citing “zero” visibility from blowing dirt. “If you must drive, stay alert and drive for the conditions,” CSP said.

Gusts of 70 mph or higher have been observed by the FOX21 Storm Team, so travel in the area is discouraged, especially for high profile vehicles.