Amarillo, Texas – Severe thunderstorms could develop as early as 4 p.m. Friday, with the greatest risk for damaging winds and large hail arriving during the evening commute across the southeast Texas Panhandle.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, storms are most likely between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., with the highest threat focused from Pampa to Wheeler and south toward Wellington. Wind gusts could reach 70 mph, and hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter may accompany the strongest cells. Tornado potential remains very low, but cannot be completely ruled out.
Communities along Interstate 40, including Amarillo, Claude, and Shamrock, may see rapidly changing conditions if storms hold together. The exact coverage depends on how quickly a southward-moving cold front pushes through the region, which could limit or enhance storm development.
High temperatures Friday will climb into the low to mid-80s in Amarillo, Clarendon, and Wellington before the front arrives. Behind it, cooler air settles in Saturday with highs dropping into the 60s and low 70s, along with north winds at 10 to 15 mph.
Residents should monitor alerts closely Friday evening, secure outdoor items, and be prepared to move indoors quickly if warnings are issued. Additional updates are likely as storm timing becomes clearer.
