Amarillo, Texas – Strong thunderstorms are expected to roll across the Texas Panhandle through early Thursday morning, bringing the risk of large hail and damaging winds to cities including Amarillo, Hereford, and Dumas.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 11 p.m. MDT Wednesday for Castro, Deaf Smith, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, and Randall counties, with the highest risk concentrated in the southwestern Panhandle. The main hazards include hail up to 1 inch in diameter and wind gusts reaching 60 mph, with the storm window lasting from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 4 a.m. Thursday.
Areas like Vega, Hereford, and Amarillo are under an elevated threat zone where conditions are favorable for quickly intensifying cells capable of producing hail damage and tree-limb-threatening wind bursts. Roads such as I-40 near Amarillo and U.S. 385 south of Dimmitt may become hazardous overnight.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, remain indoors during thunderstorm activity, and stay updated in case warnings are upgraded.
Storm activity is expected to taper off early Thursday, but the NWS warns that additional watches may be issued if conditions persist.
