Texas – Rain is already falling across parts of the Texas Panhandle this morning, and drivers in Amarillo could encounter slick roads and reduced visibility during the early commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, scattered showers and thunderstorms are moving into the central Panhandles from the west. Some of these storms are producing rainfall rates between a quarter and a half inch per hour, enough to quickly create ponding on roads.
Across Amarillo, Dumas, Hereford, and Vega, conditions may change rapidly through the morning hours. Roads along I-40, I-27, and U.S. 287 could become slick as heavier pockets of rain move through. Visibility may briefly drop under stronger cells, especially before 8 a.m.
While widespread severe weather is not expected, lightning remains a concern with any storm. Residents heading out early should allow extra time and keep headlights on in heavier rain.
The rainfall is beneficial for some areas dealing with dry conditions, but it will be brief. Storms are expected to move through quickly, with lighter precipitation overall outside of isolated heavier bursts.
Conditions begin to improve later this morning as storms shift east, leaving behind mostly dry weather for the afternoon.
This quick round of rain brings short-term impacts now, with calmer conditions expected later today once storms exit the region.
