Amarillo, Texas – Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to sweep across the Texas Panhandle this evening, with damaging wind gusts and large hail threatening cities from Amarillo to Childress through 9 p.m. Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 394 is in effect until 9 p.m. CDT. The watch includes 26 counties, spanning from Dallam and Potter in the north to Childress and Parmer in the south. Conditions are favorable for storms capable of producing hail up to 2 inches in diameter and wind gusts up to 70 mph.
Cities under threat include Amarillo, Canyon, Pampa, Borger, and Dalhart. Residents in these areas should secure outdoor items and be ready to seek shelter if warnings are issued. Power outages and downed trees are possible, especially along U.S. Highways 60, 87, and 287.
Local emergency management officials urge residents to monitor NOAA Weather Radio and local alerts and avoid travel if severe storms develop rapidly. This line of storms could also bring brief torrential rainfall and isolated lightning hazards, especially in rural counties like Lipscomb and Hemphill.
Severe thunderstorm warnings may follow if conditions intensify. The watch remains in effect through 9 p.m., with updates expected as the evening progresses.
