Weather
Amarillo, TX Weather Alert: Severe Storms, Ping Pong Sized Hail Risk Oct. 13-14
Amarillo, TX – Residents across the eastern Texas Panhandle face a potentially dangerous round of thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon and evening, Oct. 13, with wind gusts reaching 70 mph, large hail and
By Owen Prescott · 2026-10-13T10:45:21.316Z
Amarillo, TX – Residents across the eastern Texas Panhandle face a potentially dangerous round of thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon and evening, Oct. 13, with wind gusts reaching 70 mph, large hail and a limited tornado threat possible before rain chances increase across the region Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, isolated to scattered thunderstorms could develop along a boundary Tuesday afternoon, with the greatest severe weather potential between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m.
70 MPH Winds and Large Hail Possible
Forecasters warn that stronger thunderstorms could produce wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail measuring approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, comparable to ping pong balls.
The greatest severe storm potential is concentrated across the eastern Panhandle, including areas near Canadian, Pampa, Shamrock, Clarendon and Wellington.
These communities are within a Level 2 of 5 slight risk area, while locations farther west, including Amarillo and Borger, face a lower severe storm risk.
The Weather Service describes the tornado threat as very low, although an isolated tornado cannot be completely ruled out.
Rain Chances Increase Wednesday
By Wednesday, Oct. 14, the severe storm threat is expected to decrease, but showers and thunderstorms will become more widespread across the Panhandle.
Rain probabilities could reach 70% to 80% across central and northern areas, with chances exceeding 80% in portions of the southeastern Panhandle.
Forecasters indicate that heavier rainfall totals should remain primarily concentrated in eastern locations despite the broader coverage of rain.
Wednesday's thunderstorms could still produce quarter sized hail and wind gusts approaching 60 mph, particularly from the morning through late afternoon.
Residents Urged to Stay Weather Aware
Residents should secure loose outdoor items, monitor weather alerts and prepare to move indoors if strong thunderstorms approach.
Drivers should use caution during periods of heavy rain, especially where water collects on roads.
The National Weather Service encourages residents to monitor forecast updates as storm development, timing and rainfall coverage become clearer.