The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning of storms hitting Texas on Tuesday, September 15. If the systems strengthen, residents in affected areas could have more to be on alert for more than just rain.
Forecasters say conditions are more likely to turn severe in the eastern Panhandle near Clarendon, though thunderstorms are expected across the region. Both the central and eastern Panhandles face a Level 1 risk out of 5 that storms will escalate, with Perryton, Pampa, Canadian, and Amarillo among those in the warning zone, according to the agency.
Forecasters say hail, 60 mph wind gusts, and a tornado (though the tornado likelihood is very low) are all possible. Hail could measure 1.75 inches, roughly the size of a penny.
Meteorologists say the most likely window for this activity to begin is around 3 p.m., and it could last until 11 p.m. Storms are expected to move from southwest to southeast.
The NWS is urging locals to set up multiple ways to receive weather warnings on their devices. There’s a 60% chance of rain near and in Amarillo between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., when temperature highs are expected to reach around 89 degrees. After sunset, the chance of rain rises to 90%, and temperatures will dip to about 64 degrees.
The NWS says there’s a slight risk of excessive rainfall that could lead to flash flooding across portions of the central and northeast Panhandles. Weather radar is predicting 1 to 2 inches of rain per hour between 4 p.m. Tuesday and 1 a.m. Wednesday, September 15. Flash flooding is more likely in urban areas, low-lying areas, and Palo Duro Canyon, according to forecasters. For most of the rest of the combined Panhandles (including Dalhart and Dumas), there’s a marginal (lower) risk.
North Texans will continue to see rain chances each day through Thursday, September 17.