SIDNEY - There's an "extreme" risk of vehicle blow overs, and damage to trees, power lines and property, during a significant, prolonged wind event through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service Office in Cheyenne.

WeatherEye Meteorologist Paul Trambley says the winds are being brought on by a strong low pressure system that's heading east across the Dakotas and will sit over Minnesota and Wisconsin for the next couple days.

"We also have a high pressure system over the Great Basin in the Rocky Mountains," Trambley said. "That kind of position, of a strong high and strong low to our east, is going to really keep that pressure gradient force, which is what we talk about, that produces those winds."

The National Weather Service put the Nebraska Panhandle, northeast Colorado and southeast Wyoming in a high wind warning until 8 p.m. Thursday. According to the NWS, widespread wind gusts of 65 to 75 mph are likely through Wednesday. 

"As you get into the afternoon hours, you'll get some of those higher wind gusts translated down to the surface," Trambley said. "Some of those high winds going to be of concern. I don't think they'll really die-down until we get into Thursday night." 

The Nebraska Department of Transportation is advising travel may be difficult for high-profile vehicles, and there's possibility visibility could be reduced due to blowing dust. 

Near critical fire weather conditions are also expected Tuesday afternoon. Relative humidity is expected to drop to near 15 percent with very strong winds. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Any fires that do develop will spread rapidly, according to Trambley.