Critical fire weather and high wind warnings issued
Residents of the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles should prepare for a dangerous weather event Friday, as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued both a Red Flag Warning and a High Wind Warning for the region.
Winds will be sustained at 40-50 mph, with gusts reaching 70-80 mph, and some isolated gusts may exceed 90 mph near the Caprock escarpment. The combination of these winds, low humidity (10-15%), and dry vegetation creates prime conditions for rapid wildfire spread.
“This is a very dangerous situation,” the NWS in Amarillo warned. “Critical fire weather conditions will be found across the Panhandles on Friday.”
Residents are urged to take precautions by securing outdoor objects, avoiding activities that create sparks, and following local fire restrictions.
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) Likely for 16,000 Customers
Due to the fire risk, Xcel Energy announced that approximately 16,000 customers in Texas and New Mexico could experience a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) on Friday.
Power will remain off until crews can inspect power lines for safety, meaning outages could last several days. Customers can check if they will be affected by visiting Xcel Energy’s outage map or calling 1-800-895-1999.
Areas Impacted by Potential Power Shutoffs
Palo Duro Canyon State Park confirmed it will lose power from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday. This will impact visitor services, including limited restroom availability.
Residents should charge devices, gather emergency supplies, and prepare for prolonged outages.
Travel Risks and School Closures
With wind gusts up to 90 mph, travel will be extremely hazardous, especially for high-profile vehicles. Blowing dust will reduce visibility, making driving dangerous.
Schools closing on Friday due to the weather include:
Childress ISD
New Deal ISD
If your school or organization has a closure, you can report it to the A-J newsroom at newmedia@amarillo.com.
Fire Safety Precautions
Officials stress the importance of avoiding any activities that could ignite a fire, including:
No outdoor burning or grilling (especially charcoal grills).
Do not drive or park on dry grass, as vehicle heat can ignite flames.
Avoid using power tools that generate sparks.
What’s Next?
Friday: High winds and fire danger persist throughout the day, with gusts up to 80 mph and blowing dust continuing into the night.
Saturday: Winds calm down (5-10 mph), with a 20% chance of showers and cooler temperatures (high of 56°F, low of 33°F).
Residents should stay updated through AmaAlerts at AmarilloAlerts.com and continue monitoring forecasts.
