Amarillo, Texas – Power outages and dangerous highway crosswinds are expected to ramp up quickly after 9 a.m. Tuesday as wind gusts up to 70 mph sweep across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles through early evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, a High Wind Warning is in effect from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST Tuesday for most of the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, including Potter, Randall, Moore, Hutchinson, Gray, and Cimarron counties. Southwest winds will increase to 35 to 45 mph, with gusts reaching 70 mph during the late morning and afternoon.
Interstate 40 near Amarillo, U.S. Highway 287 toward Dumas, and U.S. Highway 83 near Canadian and Perryton could see hazardous crosswinds, especially for semis, RVs, and other high-profile vehicles. Blowing dust may reduce visibility to one mile or less in open areas, particularly west of Amarillo toward Vega and Dalhart.
Utility crews are preparing for scattered to widespread outages as strong gusts threaten trees and power lines. Residents should secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and charge electronic devices ahead of peak winds.
Winds are expected to ease after sunset, but hazardous travel conditions may linger into the evening commute.
