Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management

11/02/2026

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas until 2 AM CST.

***EXPIRED***November 1st: A tornado watch has been issued for parts of New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas until 2 AM CST.

10/30/2026

The siren test for TODAY (10/30), is canceled due to ongoing rain conditions.

The safety of our community is our top priority, and we do not want to activate the sirens if there is a chance that they could cause alarm or confusion.

In the meantime, we encourage you to test your NOAA Weather Radio and ensure that you have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts.

Thank you for your understanding.

10/19/2026

Halloween should be spooky—not dangerous! Keep these simple tips in mind for a safe night of trick-or-treating:

COSTUME SAFETY
• Choose fire-resistant costumes, wigs and accessories.
• Add reflective tape or glow sticks to help children stay visible after dark.
• Choose nontoxic makeup instead of masks that can limit vision. Remove makeup before bedtime.

WHILE TRICK-OR-TREATING
• Young children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Older children should stick to familiar, well-lit areas and stay with friends.
• Set a route and a time to be home.
• Remind children never to enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.
• Wait until you’re home to eat treats and check for potential allergens.

WHILE DRIVING
• Watch carefully for children in streets, driveways, medians and near curbs.
• Use extra caution when entering or exiting driveways and alleys.
• Be especially alert for children wearing dark clothing.
• Avoid distractions and slow down during trick-or-treat hours.
Have fun, stay alert, and make safety part of your Halloween plans!

10/16/2026

The US National Weather Service Amarillo Texas has issued a Freeze Warning for Saturday, October 17, from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Temperatures could drop as low as 26°F across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles.

Freezing temperatures can damage plumbing, harm sensitive vegetation, and put people and pets at risk. Take a few precautions now to protect your home, your pets, and your community!

PREVENT FROZEN PIPES
* Let faucets drip during freezing temperatures.
* Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
* Insulate exposed pipes and outdoor spigots.
Protecting your pipes helps prevent costly repairs and keeps water flowing for you and your community.

KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE
* Bring pets indoors during extreme cold whenever possible.
* Ensure pets have access to fresh, unfrozen water and regular meals.
* If pets must remain outdoors, provide a dry, draft-free, insulated shelter with bedding.
* Never leave pets in vehicles during cold weather.
* After outdoor exposure, towel-dry your pets, paying special attention to their paws and stomach.
* Store antifreeze and other chemicals safely out of pets’ reach.
Pets rely on us to help keep them safe and warm during freezing temperatures. If you see an animal in distress, please report it.

OTHER COLD-WEATHER TIPS
* Limit time spent outdoors in the cold.
* Keep flammable items away from space heaters.
* Check your vehicle’s battery and tire pressure before heading out.

IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Report a water main break: 806-378-6824
Report an animal in distress: 806-378-3038

Stay warm, stay safe, and help protect Amarillo by preparing before temperatures drop!

10/13/2026

10/13/2026

This month, the Amarillo Office of Emergency Management is sharing some common causes of house fires and simple steps you can take to help keep your home and family safe.

CANDLES: Candles are a common source of home fires, especially in bedrooms and living rooms.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Keep candles away from anything that can catch fire.
• If you leave the room, blow it out!

HEATING EQUIPMENT: Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires
• Have your chimney cleaned every year.
• Have your HVAC system inspected regularly.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
• Plug space heaters directly into the wall—never use an extension cord.

COOKING: Cooking is the #1 cause of house fires in Amarillo. With Halloween parties and gatherings happening throughout the month, remember these kitchen safety tips:
•Never leave food cooking on the stove unattended.
• Keep kitchen towels and potholders away from burners.
• Keep anything flammable away from your stovetop.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY
• Consider installing AFCI breakers and outlets, which can help prevent electrical fires.
• Have an electrician inspect your home's wiring every four years.
• Check cords and equipment for frayed or damaged wires.
• Avoid plugging too many devices into one outlet.
• Replace damaged cords right away.

CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS
Fire Safety & Prevention Month is also a great time to check your smoke alarms. Replace smoke alarm batteries every six months and make sure your alarms are working properly.
A working smoke alarm can make the difference in protecting your life and your home.

09/30/2026

RANDALL COUNTY TRAFFIC ALERT

The southbound I-27 exit ramp to McCormick Road is closed due to water over the roadway. Please find alternative routes to reach your destination. We will update as more information becomes available.

09/30/2026

Flooding is affecting roadways across the Texas Panhandle, and additional rainfall is expected tonight. Water rescues have also been reported.

Residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel. If you must be on the road, USE CAUTION and never attempt to drive through water covering a roadway.

Flooded roads can be especially difficult to identify at night, and it may be impossible to tell how deep the water is or whether the roadway underneath has been damaged.

Conditions can change quickly as additional rain fall is expected throughout the evening. If you encounter water over the roadway, turn around and find another route.

Please help keep yourself and first responders safe by staying off flooded roads whenever possible.

09/30/2026

UPDATE 9/30 7:33 AM: The Flash Flood Warning for Central Potter and Northwestern Randall Counties have been replaced with a Flood Warning.

FLASH FLOOD WARNING is in effect until 1:00 AM Wednesday.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning across portions of the Texas Panhandle, including Potter and Randall Counties.

Heavy rainfall is creating the potential for dangerous flash flooding across the area.

Do not drive through flooded roadways! If you encounter water over a roadway, turn around and find another route. Never attempt to walk or drive through floodwaters.

Be especially cautious in low-lying and flood-prone areas, and continue monitoring weather conditions and official alerts.

Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

09/30/2026

‼️UPDATE 11:05 PM
All active Tornado Warnings have expired for Randall and Potter counties.

However, the severe weather threat is not over. Additional storms and heavy rainfall are expected to continue through the evening and into the early morning hours.

Residents should remain weather-aware and continue monitoring official alerts. Be prepared if additional warnings are issued.

Flooding remains a concern, with water covering some area roadways. Avoid unnecessary travel, use caution if you must be on the road and never drive through a flooded roadway.

‼️UPDATE 10:10 PM (EXPIRED)
The National Weather Service has reissued a Tornado Warning for the Amarillo area until 11 p.m.

Warned area currently includes the southeast portion of Potter County.

‼️UPDATE 9:25 (EXPIRED)
NEW TORNADO WARNING – AMARILLO AREA

The National Weather Service has issued a new Tornado Warning for the Amarillo area.

The warned storm is moving from northwest Canyon toward southwest/south Amarillo.

If you are in the warned area, TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.

Conditions are changing quickly. Do not wait to see or hear a tornado before taking action.

‼️UPDATE 8:34 PM (EXPIRED)
The US National Weather Service Amarillo Texas continues a Tornado Warning for portions of northeastern Randall and southeastern Potter counties. The threat remains radar indicated.

The National Weather Service has also issued a new Tornado Warning for a storm east of Hereford moving toward Randall County. Canyon is included within the warning area.

‼️UPDATE 8:27PM (EXPIRED)
A new TORNADO WARNING has been issued affecting additional portions of the Amarillo area. Outdoor warning sirens are being activated in central and west Amarillo.

‼️UPDATE 8:00PM (EXPIRED)
TORNADO WARNING in the Amarillo & Canyon Area

The US National Weather Service Amarillo Texas has indicated a potential tornado by radar in the Amarillo-area storm system.

Outdoor warning sirens are being activated in affected areas, including portions of Amarillo, Randall County and the Canyon area.

If you are in a warned area, take shelter immediately. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.

THIS IS CURRENTLY A RADAR INDICATED THREAT, but please do not wait to see or hear a tornado before taking action.

Continue monitoring official weather alerts and the National Weather Service for the latest information.