Amarillo, Texas – Travel across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles could become dangerous beginning Friday afternoon as a winter storm moves into the region, bringing heavy snow, light ice accumulation, and hazardous road conditions through late Saturday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Friday afternoon through late Saturday night for much of the Texas Panhandle and portions of the Oklahoma Panhandle. Snow accumulations between 5 and 9 inches are possible, along with light ice accretion around one-tenth of an inch, enough to create slick and hazardous travel conditions.
In Texas, Potter, Randall, Carson, Gray, Deaf Smith, Armstrong, Donley, Collingsworth, and surrounding counties are included. Amarillo, Canyon, Pampa, Hereford, Dumas, Borger, and Claude could see roads quickly become snow-covered, especially on bridges and overpasses. In the Oklahoma Panhandle, Beaver and Texas counties, including Guymon and Beaver, are also under the watch.
The storm may impact the Friday evening commute as snow and mixed precipitation intensify. Officials urge residents to delay non-essential travel, remain indoors when possible, and prepare vehicles and emergency kits in case conditions worsen. Cold temperatures will add to the risk of exposure for anyone stranded outdoors.
Residents should continue to monitor updates, as the watch may be upgraded to a warning if confidence in snowfall and impacts increases. Hazardous travel conditions could persist into early Sunday before gradual improvement.
