A massive, powerful storm system moved out of the Western U.S. on Tuesday, bringing high winds to the Plains states. Widespread gusts of 55-70 mph (80-110 kph) knocked over trees and powerlines as well as high-profile vehicles (see video below). Higher gusts of 70-100 mph (110-160 kph) were reported at wind prone spots from Montana all the way down to New Mexico (see table below). The high winds picked up dust and created dangerous “brownout” conditions, especially in eastern Colorado and western Kansas. The near-zero visibilities led to a 30-car pileup on Interstate 25 near Pueblo, CO, which killed four and sent 29 more to local hospitals with a variety of injuries.
In Texas’ Panhandle, high winds caused a truck to overturn, highlighting the region’s unpredictable weather. Officials urge caution on roads as gusts continue to create dangerous driving conditions across the area. #TexasPanhandle #SevereWeatherpic.twitter.com/VYnrakzo7e
— Zinnia Embry (@Nemanja4252) February 18, 2026
Dust Storm and 30+ vehicles pile up and crash on I-25 just south of Pueblo, CO. Via Shawn McQuinn, Contact https://t.co/vq1tbQcW3G to license. #COWX #pileup #duststorm #crash pic.twitter.com/jW3jiEJi7z
— StormChasingVideo (@StormChasingVid) February 17, 2026
The high winds and dry conditions also pushed wildfires out of control from Texas through Oklahoma and southern Kansas. The largest fire burned 145,000 acres in Beaver County, Oklahoma (see video below). Numerous voluntary evacuations were undertaken. Many homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed, and four firefighters were injured.
Wildfires in the Oklahoma and Oklahoma-Texas Panhandles, driven by high winds, low humidity, and dry conditions.
These fires have prompted evacuation orders and alerts in areas like Woodward and Beaver counties in Oklahoma, as well as parts of the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo.… pic.twitter.com/oBc6eKCDkS
— orange 🍊 (@orange4u28) February 18, 2026