High Wind Warning Issued for Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles; Gusts Up to 65 MPH Expected
The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, effective Tuesday, with damaging wind gusts up to 65 mph and blowing dust expected.
Alert Details
Type: High Wind Warning
Issued by: National Weather Service (NWS) Amarillo TX
Effective Window: Tuesday, February 17, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM CST.
Affected Areas
This warning covers portions of the Panhandle of Oklahoma and the Panhandle of Texas. Affected regions include:
- Oklahoma: Cimarron, Texas, and Beaver counties.
- Texas: Dallam, Sherman, Hansford, Ochiltree, Lipscomb, Hartley, Moore, Hutchinson, Roberts, Hemphill, Oldham, Potter, Carson, Gray, Deaf Smith, Randall, Armstrong, and Palo Duro Canyon.
What You Should Do
Residents in the warning area are advised to remain in the lower levels of their homes during the windstorm and stay away from windows. Be alert for falling debris and tree limbs. If you must drive, use extreme caution, as travel will be difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles.
Expected Conditions
- Wind Speed: Sustained southwest winds of 35 to 40 mph.
- Wind Gusts: Peak gusts up to 65 mph are possible.
- Visibility: Strong winds may produce blowing dust, which could cause a sudden drop in visibility.
- Impacts: Damaging winds are expected to blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are anticipated across the affected region.
Timeline
The High Wind Warning is in effect from 11:00 AM CST on Tuesday, February 17, until 7:00 PM CST Tuesday evening.
Source: NOAA Official Notice