Amarillo, Texas – Residents could see hail and damaging winds by early evening Friday, followed by a sharp temperature drop that may bring freezing conditions by sunrise Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, isolated severe storms are expected to develop in the southeastern Texas Panhandle late this afternoon into the evening. Areas near Clarendon, Pampa, and Wheeler have the highest chance of storms capable of producing large hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph, especially along and east of U.S. 287.
The tornado risk remains very low, but any storm that develops could quickly intensify before moving out of the region later tonight. Drivers along I-40 east of Amarillo may encounter sudden downpours and gusty winds during the evening hours.
Behind the storms, a surge of colder air will push temperatures below 32°F overnight into early Saturday morning. Cities including Amarillo, Dumas, Dalhart, and Guymon face a high probability of freezing conditions, which could damage early-season plants and sensitive vegetation.
Residents should monitor warnings this evening, then prepare for a hard freeze overnight by covering plants and protecting outdoor plumbing. Conditions will remain cold into early Saturday, with additional freeze concerns possible again late in the weekend.
