People living in the southern Texas Panhandle should stay alert as a severe thunderstorm is moving slowly through southwestern Hemphill County this Tuesday afternoon. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Amarillo has issued a warning for dangerous winds and hail, advising everyone in the area to take cover and avoid travel.
Where the Storm Is Right Now
As of 2:47 p.m., the storm was seen near Briscoe, about 9 miles northwest, and around 13 miles south of Canadian. The weather system is nearly stationary, which means it could linger over the same area for a long time, increasing the risk of damage.
Radar has picked up:
Wind gusts up to 60 mph
Hail stones up to the size of quarters
What This Storm Could Do
This kind of severe weather can lead to:
Minor damage to roofs, trees, and siding
Dents on vehicles left outside
Falling branches that could take down power lines
Temporary power outages in some areas
The slow movement of the storm makes the situation worse because strong winds and hail may affect the same locations for longer than usual.
Tornado Risk: Funnel Clouds Possible
While full tornadoes aren’t expected at this time, the NWS has said the storm could produce funnel clouds. Most funnel clouds stay in the sky and don’t touch the ground, but brief tornadoes with wind speeds over 50 mph are still possible.
This means people should not ignore the storm just because a tornado warning hasn’t been issued yet—fast changes in weather can still happen.
Safety Advice from Emergency Services
If you’re in the affected areas, here’s what emergency managers recommend:
Stay indoors, away from windows
Go to the lowest floor of your home or a sturdy building
Keep your phone charged and tuned in to local weather alerts
Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary
The warning for Hemphill County is in effect until 3:45 p.m., but may be extended depending on how the storm develops. More severe weather could pop up later, so stay weather-aware throughout the day.
Stay Informed and Ready
The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm and provide updates if conditions change. Keep checking weather apps, local news, and the NWS Amarillo alerts for the latest information.
A strong thunderstorm is posing a serious threat to parts of Hemphill County, with strong winds, large hail, and possible funnel clouds. Residents are urged to stay inside, protect their property, and wait until the storm passes before going out. With the storm barely moving, damage could be more intense in areas directly beneath it. Stay safe, stay alert, and take all weather warnings seriously.
