Amarillo, Texas – Severe thunderstorms are expected to batter the Texas Panhandle Monday afternoon into late evening, with wind gusts nearing 80 mph and golf ball-sized hail threatening travel and property across multiple counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, the primary window for dangerous storms stretches from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. CDT, with the highest threat zone centered around Amarillo, Borger, and Pampa. A Level 3 out of 5 risk level has been issued for much of the region, signaling the potential for widespread damaging wind events.
Communities from Wheeler, Candaian, Perryton, Beaver, Gruver, and Guymon should prepare for downed trees, power outages, and hazardous driving conditions, especially along I-40 and US-287. The strongest storms could drop hail up to 1.75 inches in diameter and may briefly turn severe with little warning.
Officials urge residents to secure loose outdoor items, charge electronic devices, and monitor local alerts. “Have multiple ways to receive warnings,” the NWS advised, as storms may rapidly intensify in isolated cells.
The severe threat tapers off late tonight, but additional updates may be issued if storms redevelop overnight or into early Tuesday.
