Amarillo, Texas – Wind gusts reaching 60 to 70 mph are driving multiple fast-moving wildfires across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles this afternoon, creating dangerous travel conditions along Interstate 40 and surrounding highways through 5 p.m. Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, several large wildfires broke out earlier today under extreme fire weather conditions fueled by strong west to southwest winds and very low relative humidity. Fires are actively burning near communities including Borger, Pampa, Perryton and across portions of Beaver County, Oklahoma.
Interstate 40 near Amarillo and Vega, US-60 near Pampa and Highway 83 near Perryton could see sudden reductions in visibility from smoke and blowing dust. Wind-driven flames may shift direction quickly, posing a threat to nearby homes, ranchland and roadways. Emergency officials are urging residents to avoid travel in affected areas and to follow evacuation orders where issued.
High winds are expected to persist through late afternoon before gradually easing toward sunset. Until then, any new spark could ignite additional fires and spread rapidly across dry grasslands.
Residents should secure loose outdoor objects, avoid any activity that could produce sparks and stay alert for emergency alerts. Fire crews remain engaged across the region, and additional warnings may be issued if conditions worsen before winds subside later this evening.
