Amarillo, Texas – Severe storms could begin impacting travel and outdoor plans as early as 3 p.m. Thursday, with the highest risk for damaging winds and hail developing during the evening commute across the Texas Panhandle.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, storms are expected to develop between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. Thursday, with wind gusts up to 65 mph and hail up to half-dollar size possible across western and central Panhandle communities, including Amarillo, Vega, and Dumas.
Rain chances increase into Friday, with northern areas like Guymon and Perryton facing a continued severe threat. Storms may produce wind gusts near 60 mph and large hail, especially during the afternoon and evening hours.
By Saturday, the threat expands statewide across the Panhandle, with multiple rounds of storms and a 70–90% chance of rainfall. Some areas could see over 1 inch of rain, leading to ponding on roads and reduced visibility, especially along I-40 and US-287. Large hail, damaging winds, and a low tornado risk remain possible.
Conditions stay active into Sunday, with eastern areas like Canadian and Wheeler seeing the greatest severe potential before activity shifts east. Residents should prepare for rapidly changing conditions and monitor alerts through the weekend.
