AMARILLO, TEXAS -- High winds in the area led to wind turbines shutting themselves down Monday afternoon.

Gusts of more than 55 mph can damage a wind turbine and become a safety concern, said AJ Swope, the executive director of Class 4 Winds & Renewables.  

"The turbines will shut themselves down because they can't handle that amount of wind," Swope said.

Thanks to advances in forecasting, utility companies and wind farms are better able to prepare for high winds.

"In years past high wind speeds were detrimental to a wind farm because forecasting was not as advanced as it is today," he added.

Swope also said advances in forecasting technology allow both utilities and wind farms to better prepare for high winds.