Residents and businesses across Canyon are still picking up the pieces following a powerful storm that tore through the town just after 2 a.m. Sunday, June 8. The intense weather system brought destructive winds of up to 84 mph and hailstones as large as 3 inches in diameter, leaving shattered windows, dented vehicles, downed trees, and debris scattered throughout the community.
Storm Strikes While Most Residents Sleep
The storm’s timing caught many Canyon residents off guard, as the loud crashing of hailstones against windows and vehicles shattered the quiet pre-dawn hours. “I was woken up by the sound of glass breaking,” recalled Megan Nelson, City of Canyon Director of Communications & Community Engagement, who experienced hail shattering the double-pane window of her home. “It was terrifying to hear and see the damage happening in real time.”
Local forecaster Peter Osenvander Bosch from the Amarillo National Weather Service office explained the storm’s path: “This front moved from eastern New Mexico into Canyon rapidly overnight, bringing with it violent winds and large hailstones. The maximum wind gust recorded was 84 mph, and hailstones reached between 2 ½ and 3 inches in diameter, roughly the size of baseballs.”
Widespread Property and Vehicle Damage
By dawn, reports began flooding in from across the city. Canyon Glass Company quickly became overwhelmed with calls from residents desperate to secure shattered windows and repair storm damage. Foreman Nathan Neese shared the urgency: “Within hours, we were making visits all over town. Every west-facing window seemed to have been hit hard.”
Local hardware stores, including many in nearby Amarillo, rapidly ran out of plywood and storm repair supplies. “We had to reach out to family members in Oklahoma City to get us 12 sheets of plywood,” Neese said. “There was simply none available locally.”
Apartment complexes bore a heavy brunt of the storm. At Canyon Place Apartments, maintenance engineer Jason Haney said more than 60 windows on the west-facing side were broken. “Almost every apartment on the west side had at least one window busted — many had several. Inside, some drywall was damaged by the hail and wind-driven debris,” he said. Temporary plywood boarding has been installed, but permanent repairs may take weeks due to high demand.
The Legends Apartments, as well as other multi-family units in town, reported similar extensive window and vehicle damage. Many residents found their cars’ windshields and roofs dented or cracked by hail.
City Infrastructure and Historical Landmarks Damaged
Damage was not limited to homes and apartments. The Randall County Historic Courthouse, a beloved landmark built in 1909, suffered significant damage. County Judge Christy Dyer described the impact: “Seventeen windows were knocked out, several decorative light poles damaged or destroyed, and some of the stonework suffered chips and cracks. Our maintenance crews inspected the building at sunrise Monday and began initial cleanup.”
Judge Dyer also noted that the courthouse roof will be assessed by drone to check for hidden damage to the tile roofing. “The clock tower appears undamaged and operational, which is good news,” she said.
Nearby public infrastructure also took a hit, with tree limbs littering streets and sidewalks, decorative street lights damaged, and debris complicating travel.
City Officials Mobilize for Cleanup and Recovery
Mayor Gary Hinders swiftly signed a disaster declaration at 2 p.m. Sunday to expedite recovery efforts and access emergency resources. City Manager Joe Price confirmed that Public Works crews have been working continuously to clear fallen tree limbs and debris from roadways to ensure public safety and restore normal traffic flow.
The city has established several debris collection sites, including rolloff containers at Paul Lindsey Park and Canyon East, with plans for additional drop-off points at Canyon Junior High and Hunsley Hills neighborhoods. Residents are urged to follow guidelines regarding debris size and placement, and to avoid dumping prohibited items such as tires, chemicals, concrete, and hazardous waste.
“Tree limbs under 3 inches in diameter can be up to 5 feet long; larger limbs should be cut into 2-3 foot sections to facilitate pickup,” the city posted on Facebook. For bulky items, placement rules differ based on neighborhood layout to ensure efficient removal.
Additionally, Republic Services is running extra bulky trash routes starting Tuesday, June 9. The city’s brush site remains temporarily closed, but landfill access is available for utility customers, albeit with longer wait times.
Residents seeking assistance or information can contact the Public Works Department at (806) 655-5011.
Storm’s Economic Impact and Insurance Challenges
While full damage assessments are ongoing, early estimates suggest the storm could cause tens of millions of dollars in damages across Canyon, encompassing residential, commercial, and municipal properties.
Insurance agents warn residents to document all damage thoroughly with photos and receipts for repairs. Canyon Glass’s Neese cautioned homeowners to be vigilant against unlicensed contractors who might appear offering quick repairs. “Unfortunately, storm events can attract scammers. Always verify licensing and references before hiring anyone,” he advised.
Community Spirit Shines Amidst Hardship
Despite the destruction, Canyon residents are showing resilience. Volunteers have begun helping neighbors clean yards, and local businesses are coordinating donations of supplies and meals for affected families. City officials emphasize that recovery will be a marathon, not a sprint, and ask residents for patience as repair crews work through a backlog of calls and requests.
Mayor Hinders stressed the importance of preparedness for future storms. “This severe weather season has been intense. We urge everyone to sign up for National Weather Service alerts and have a safety plan in place. Staying informed saves lives.”
Looking Ahead
The National Weather Service has indicated that more storm activity is possible in the coming weeks. As Canyon works through the clean-up and rebuilding process, emergency management officials remind residents to:
Stay weather aware, especially during storm season
Follow official guidance on debris disposal and recovery efforts
Beware of potential fraud or unlicensed contractors
Reach out to city or county officials for assistance if needed
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