A slight but notable severe‑storm risk is set to roll across eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle after dark, bringing gusts up to 75 mph, large hail and heavy rain.
Key points
- A Level 2 slight risk means severe weather is possible but not widespread; still, wind gusts up to 75 mph and hail are expected.
- Heavy rain could produce flash‑flooding in isolated spots; drivers should exercise caution on reduced‑capacity roadways.
- Nighttime tornadoes, though unlikely, would be hard to see; keep alerts on and have a shelter plan ready.
The National Weather Service has placed a Level 2 of 5 (slight) risk for severe storms over eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle tonight, according to abc7amarillo.com. The main hazards include damaging wind gusts that could reach 75 mph, large hail and rainfall rates of up to two inches per hour, which may trigger isolated flash‑flood concerns.
Storms are expected to develop as early as 8 p.m. Mountain Time in eastern New Mexico and then move eastward, potentially arriving over Amarillo around midnight to 1 a.m. Central Time. The threat of tornadoes is described as low, but any tornado that does form could become strong, and visibility will be limited because the storms are forecast to occur after dark.
Key Hazards and Timing
Residents are advised to charge mobile devices, keep weather alerts active and have a shelter plan ready. If a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued, officials recommend seeking immediate shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
Travel may be impacted as heavy rain and gusty winds could reduce visibility and create hazardous road conditions. Local authorities have already warned of lane reductions on I‑40 at Nelson Street, and power outages are possible if strong winds bring down trees or lines.
Reader questions
When is the storm expected to hit Amarillo?
The forecast calls for storms to reach Amarillo around midnight to 1 a.m. Central Time.
What should I do if a tornado warning is issued?
Seek immediate shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows, and stay tuned to alerts.
Will the heavy rain cause widespread flooding?
Rainfall rates could reach two inches per hour, creating isolated flash‑flood concerns, but widespread flooding is not anticipated.
Source: abc7amarillo.com