Amarillo, Texas – Supercell thunderstorms capable of producing 2-inch hail and isolated tornadoes could rapidly intensify near I-40 west of Amarillo by late Thursday afternoon, threatening travel across the Texas Panhandle before sunset.
According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, a volatile severe weather setup will take shape Thursday across the Texas Panhandle into western and central Kansas. Very large hail up to 2 inches in diameter, damaging wind gusts over 70 mph and a few tornadoes are all possible as storms develop along a sharpening dryline during the late afternoon and evening.
Communities along I-27 from Canyon to Amarillo and north toward Dumas face an elevated hail threat during the peak heating hours. Farther north, storms may track along US-50 near Dodge City and Garden City, Kansas, where atmospheric conditions support rotating supercells capable of producing tornadoes.
Large hail of this size can shatter windshields and cause roof damage within minutes. Residents should move vehicles into garages before storms form and avoid driving into warned areas. High-profile vehicles on I-35 in southern Kansas could encounter sudden crosswinds near stronger cells.
Storm coverage may expand into the evening, pushing east toward Wichita and central Kansas. Additional watches and warnings are likely as storms organize.
Residents across the Texas Panhandle and western Kansas should monitor updates throughout Thursday and be prepared to take shelter quickly if tornado warnings are issued.
