Hemphill, Texas – A severe thunderstorm is threatening southwestern Hemphill County this afternoon, bringing dangerous wind gusts and hail capable of damaging vehicles and roofs.
According to the National Weather Service office in Amarillo, the storm was spotted around 2:47 p.m. Tuesday, located roughly 9 miles northwest of Briscoe and 13 miles south of Canadian. The cell is nearly stationary, heightening risks for those in its path. Radar indicated winds up to 60 mph and hail up to the size of quarters.
Residents across the southern Panhandle should be prepared for minor roof, siding, and tree damage. The storm is also capable of denting vehicles with hail, particularly for those parked outdoors. Power outages are possible if tree limbs or debris strike utility lines.
The NWS warned that conditions are favorable for funnel cloud development, though most are not expected to reach the ground. Still, officials say even brief tornadoes with winds topping 50 mph cannot be ruled out.
Emergency managers advise moving to the lowest level of a sturdy building and avoiding travel until the storm passes. Warnings remain in effect for southwestern Hemphill County until at least 3:45 p.m., with additional advisories possible if storms redevelop.
