Amarillo, TX – Residents across the northwestern Panhandles are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 p.m. MDT Wednesday, September 17, with threats including damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes.
According to the US National Weather Service in Amarillo, storms are expected to intensify through Wednesday afternoon and evening, creating hazardous travel and outdoor conditions. The watch area covers parts of northeastern New Mexico, southeastern Colorado, the Oklahoma Panhandle, and the Texas Panhandle, including communities such as Trinidad, Raton, Dalhart, Las Vegas, and Guymon.
Forecasters warn that a couple of tornadoes are possible, along with scattered hail up to two inches in diameter and isolated wind gusts reaching 65 mph. Officials advise residents to prepare for sudden weather changes, secure outdoor items, and review severe weather safety plans.
The National Weather Service estimates the watch zone impacts a population of more than 1.1 million people, along with 528 schools and 31 hospitals. Emergency managers are urging caution on highways and in rural areas where visibility and road conditions may deteriorate rapidly during storms.
The watch is set to expire at 10 p.m. MDT Wednesday, but officials note conditions could change quickly if storms strengthen. Residents are encouraged to monitor NOAA weather alerts and local forecasts for updates.
