Amarillo, Texas – Large, damaging hail and strong wind gusts are expected across the central and eastern Texas Panhandle Thursday afternoon and evening, with isolated tornadoes also possible.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, severe thunderstorms could begin as early as 4 p.m. and are most likely between 5 and 11 p.m. Damaging wind gusts may reach 70 mph, and hailstones could exceed 3 inches in diameter, particularly in areas from Borger to Clarendon and Amarillo to Wheeler. A low-end tornado risk extends across the same region.
Cities including Pampa, Canadian, and Dumas sit within the zone of greatest concern. Storms may remain scattered, but any that develop could become intense quickly. Emergency managers urge residents to have multiple ways to receive warnings and prepare to shelter if a tornado warning is issued.
The Interstate 40 corridor could see rapidly changing conditions with hail and brief whiteout visibility. Drivers should delay travel where possible and ensure their phones are charged and alerts are enabled.
This event marks one of the season’s more significant hail threats, reminiscent of early spring outbreaks in past years.
Severe thunderstorm warnings or tornado alerts may be issued throughout the evening. Residents should stay weather-aware through Thursday night.
