The City of Canyon has officially confirmed that the severe weather that swept through the Madison Park neighborhood Friday night was, in fact, a tornado. The National Weather Service (NWS) has classified the storm as a high-end EF1 tornado with maximum winds reaching up to 110 miles per hour. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries or fatalities.
City officials announced that approximately 20 homes sustained severe weather-related damage, with the majority concentrated along Willeford Avenue. Crews from the Canyon Police and Fire Departments, the Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management, Xcel Energy, Atmos Energy, Republic Services, the Randall County Sheriff's Office, and numerous community volunteers are currently on scene assisting with recovery efforts.
Residents are urged to avoid the Madison Park area unless specifically requested to assist, in order to allow emergency services to operate without interruption. At this time, the City is not accepting donations of any kind.
For residents clearing debris, the City has designated the Lawyer’s Title parking lot at 2100 FM-2590 as an official debris drop-off location. Madison Park residents can also place bulky items on the curb for pickup. Additionally, the Republic Services landfill will open Monday to intake storm-related waste; however, hazardous materials such as chemicals and paint will not be accepted.
Local State of Disaster Declared
In response to the storm’s impact, Canyon Mayor Gary Hinders has issued a local state of disaster. This declaration enables the City to take heightened measures to protect public safety, accelerate recovery operations, and request additional aid if needed.
Key points of the declaration include:
Allowing the City to request state and federal assistance.
Supporting swift public safety and recovery operations.
Remaining in effect for up to seven days, unless extended by the Canyon City Commission.
Ongoing Assessments and Public Safety Notices
City officials reported that the tornado touched down around 11:40 p.m. Friday, severely impacting Madison Park, located along Hunsley Road, and areas near FM 2590 (VFW Road/Soncy Road). Flooding has also been reported in several parts of the city. Country Club Drive between Village Drive and Griffin Drive remains closed due to flooding, and drivers are encouraged to seek alternative routes.
Residents who have experienced property damage are urged to report it to the Texas Department of Emergency Management by completing the iSTAT Damage Survey.
As cleanup and recovery continue, City officials are encouraging everyone to stay weather aware, follow official updates, and continue to prioritize safety.
"We are extremely grateful to everyone who has stepped in to help the Canyon community," Canyon City Manager Joe Price said. Price noted response and recovery efforts have been phenomenal, and it has been "many, many years" since they have had a tornado within city limits.
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