AMARILLO, TX (KFDA) – An active weather event is expected late this Friday evening into the early overnight hours, as we prepare for the possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms.
Moisture and lift will be sufficient as a shortwave disturbance will pass over our area later today. The key will be how much we can destabilize the atmosphere with sunshine during the afternoon.
Our main concerns will be for storms producing large hail, damaging winds, and even an isolated tornado.
Thunderstorms are expected to develop in our extreme northwestern counties by the late evening and progress east-southeastward through the northern half of the NewsChannel10 viewing area. Potentially clipping Downtown Amarillo.
General timing for this activity will begin around 7-8 PM in eastern New Mexico. Storms will move generally from west to east throughout the evening, potentially lasting until just after 2 AM on Saturday. In terms of hazards, we will be watching for lime-size hail (two inches in diameter), wind gusts up to 70 mph, a low shot at an isolated tornado, and localized street flooding.
We encourage folks to stay tuned for updates as the situation materializes. Have a way to receive watches/warnings and have a plan of action ready to go, in the event your home is placed under a warning…