SIDNEY, Neb. - High Wind Warnings are in effect across much of the Nebraska Panhandle, southeast Wyoming and portions of northeastern Colorado as forecasters warn of widespread and potentially damaging winds through Thursday.

The National Weather Service says northwest winds of 30 to 45 mph with gusts between 60 and 80 mph are expected, with isolated gusts as strong as 85 to 90 mph possible, particularly in western Platte County, Wyoming. The strongest winds are forecast from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning, with additional rounds of high winds likely later Thursday into Friday.

In the Panhandle, High Wind Warnings are in effect for Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Deuel, Garden and southern Sioux counties. Cities impacted include Sidney, Scottsbluff, Alliance, Gering, Bridgeport, Kimball, Bayard, Oshkosh, Chappell and Hemingford. Laramie and Goshen counties in southeast Wyoming are also included.

Forecasters warn the winds will create hazardous travel conditions, especially for light-weight and high-profile vehicles such as campers and tractor-trailers. Blowing dust and unsecured objects may further reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents.

Across central and western Nebraska, High Wind Warnings extend from Sheridan County south through Chase and Frontier counties, with damaging winds expected to down trees and power lines and potentially cause widespread power outages.

Elevated fire weather conditions are also expected on the high plains due to strong winds and low relative humidity. In the mountains, Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect for the Snowy and Sierra Madre ranges, where 5 to 10 inches of snow are possible.

Residents are urged to secure loose items, use caution when traveling and monitor updated forecasts.