The Amarillo community is still picking up the pieces after Friday’s extreme wind storm, which brought hurricane-force gusts and widespread power outages. As clean-up efforts continue, residents are bracing for yet another round of high winds and critical fire weather conditions expected on Monday and Tuesday.
Winds Reached 82 MPH, Local Disasters Declared
The National Weather Service reported peak wind gusts of up to 82 mph in Potter and Randall Counties on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction across the region. In response, the mayors of Amarillo and Canyon declared local disasters that same day. These declarations, authorized under Texas law, allow for emergency response plans to be fully activated and can last up to seven days unless extended by city officials.
Both cities announced the disaster declarations through official social media posts, emphasizing that the move was crucial in securing the necessary resources for recovery. However, as of Sunday morning, officials had not provided specific details on any additional state or federal aid received due to the declarations.
Widespread Power Outages and Restoration Efforts
The powerful winds caused significant damage to power lines, leaving approximately 68,000 customers without electricity on Friday, according to Xcel Energy. The outages included 17,000 customers who were affected by Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)—a precautionary measure where Xcel Energy proactively cut power to 2,500 miles of power lines to prevent fire risks.
By Saturday evening, about 90% of affected customers had power restored, and restoration efforts continued into Sunday. Xcel Energy officials reported that:
Power in Canyon was expected to be fully restored by mid-Sunday afternoon.
Customers in and around Amarillo still without power as of Saturday night were likely to have service restored by Sunday night.
Rural outages could extend into Monday due to the extent of damage.
Clean-Up Efforts Underway
Residents dealing with fallen tree limbs and storm debris have several options for disposal:
Amarillo: Tree limbs and debris can be dropped off at any of the City’s brush sites. Residents can also request curbside collection by filling out an online form or calling (806) 378-6813.
Canyon: The Public Works Department has additional information on disposal locations available online.
Reporting Property Damage
While homeowners and businesses should file claims with their insurance providers for wind damage, state officials are also asking residents to self-report damage through a new survey.
The Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) has opened the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) Damage Survey for those impacted by severe weather, wildfires, and power shutoffs. This data helps local and state officials assess the extent of damages and determine the need for additional assistance.
Former Amarillo City Manager Jared Miller, who now serves as TDEM’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the importance of reporting damages to ensure an accurate assessment of the storm’s impact.
