Amarillo, TX – Strong winds continue to batter the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, prompting a high wind warning in effect through Wednesday morning. Gusts as high as 65 mph are expected, creating hazardous conditions for travel and the risk of widespread power outages.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, the high wind warning remains in place until 9 a.m. CDT Wednesday for areas including Cimarron, Texas, and Beaver counties in Oklahoma, as well as Dallam, Sherman, Hansford, Ochiltree, Lipscomb, Roberts, Hemphill, and Wheeler counties in Texas. A separate warning for Hartley, Moore, Hutchinson, Potter, Carson, Gray, Armstrong, Donley, and Collingsworth counties extends until 8 a.m. CDT. Meanwhile, Deaf Smith, Oldham, Randall, and Palo Duro Canyon counties will experience strong winds until 3 a.m. CDT.
West winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts reaching up to 65 mph will likely cause damage to trees and power lines, increasing the potential for power outages. The strong winds also pose a danger to high-profile vehicles, making travel hazardous on roadways throughout the region.
Residents are advised to stay indoors, remain in lower levels of their homes, and avoid windows during the windstorm. Motorists, especially those driving large trucks or trailers, should use extreme caution and consider delaying travel until conditions improve.
The high winds are expected to subside by Wednesday morning, but officials urge residents to remain alert and prepared for potential damages and disruptions.
