Severe Weather Event & Power Outage Update

+ Free Parking Announced to Support Businesses and Visitors 

Last updated: Dec. 20, 2025 at 10:39am

Today, December 20, 2025, the forecast is predicting some wind gusts but a relief from the extreme winds of the last few days and some moisture from expected rain showers.

The city has reopened access to all city-owned Open Space and Mountain Parks property as of 9am on December 20. Use caution when visiting the trails. You may encounter trees blocking trails and loose branches hanging above the trails. 

Power is currently on throughout downtown Boulder, and businesses are open and ready to welcome visitors. Hours and operations may vary as businesses continue to adjust.

Some residents and businesses may still be without power throughout Colorado's Front Range. Xcel Energy expects that it will take several hours to days to restore all power, as each line must be inspected and repaired before power can be turned back on.

You can check Xcel's outage map and view ongoing updates on Xcel Energy's website and the Boulder Disaster Management page. A Call Center is open at 303-413-7730 for general questions.

Free Parking

From Saturday, Dec. 20 through Wednesday, Dec. 24, parking will be free in all on-street metered spaces and BoulderPark garages citywide. Parking is also free on Thursday, Dec. 25, in observance of the city holiday. This temporary measure is intended to support businesses as they recover from the extreme weather-related impacts and to make it easier for the community to visit Boulder’s commercial districts during the busy holiday season.

Things to Know 

• City-owned Open Space and Mountain Parks property has re-opened including trails and trailheads. A few trails will be closed for repair where needed.
• Downtown Boulder has power and is open for business.
• Some businesses in other areas may be closed due to lack of power or have modified hours. Please call ahead.
• After the weather event and the public safety power shutoff conclude, restoring power can take time—hours or even days—because crews must inspect lines and repair any damage before power can be turned back on. 
• All roads surrounding Boulder that were closed have reopened. Visit cotrip.org for updates.

Questions? 

Contact Visit Boulder with questions about your visit to Boulder at 303-442-2911 or visitor@BoulderCVB.com.