Powerful winds and widespread blowing dust swept across the Texas Panhandle and South Plains on Friday, leaving thousands without power and creating hazardous travel conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Blowing Dust Warning for much of the region as sustained winds of 40-50 mph, with gusts reaching up to 90 mph, battered the area.
Widespread Power Outages Impact Thousands
The extreme weather conditions triggered massive power outages, with Xcel Energy reporting over 55,000 customers without electricity across the Texas Panhandle and parts of New Mexico. As of 12:07 p.m., the hardest-hit area was Amarillo, where 27,354 customers experienced outages.
Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L) also faced outages, affecting 1,632 customers in Lubbock, while South Plains Electric Co-Op reported disruptions to 632 customers. The City of Tulia suffered a complete loss of power, with authorities citing a mix of planned safety shutoffs, fallen power lines, and fire hazards as the primary causes.
Both Xcel Energy and LP&L crews were on high alert throughout the day, working to restore service as quickly as possible. However, officials warned that some outages could last hours or even days as utility teams must assess and repair damaged infrastructure once the winds subside.
Dangerous Driving Conditions and Road Closures
With wind gusts reaching hurricane-force speeds, visibility on highways plummeted due to thick dust clouds, making travel treacherous. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in Amarillo reported multiple crashes across the region, particularly in Potter, Randall, and Oldham counties.
A major incident occurred on Interstate 27 near Abernathy, where all northbound and southbound lanes were shut down after vehicles were overturned by high winds. Drivers were detoured onto frontage roads, but authorities continued to urge residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
“If possible, avoid travel,” the DPS warned in a statement. “If you must get out in these dangerous conditions, slow down, keep both hands on the steering wheel, do not stop on the roadway, and give yourself plenty of room between you and the vehicles in front of you—especially high-profile vehicles, as they are more likely to be blown over.”
Fire Danger Increases as Winds Fuel Red Flag Warnings
In addition to power outages and travel disruptions, officials raised concerns over wildfires, as extremely dry conditions combined with strong winds created a critical fire risk. The National Weather Service in Amarillo noted that dust storms blowing in from New Mexico contributed to reduced visibility and increased the likelihood of fast-moving fires.
A Red Flag Warning remained in effect throughout Friday, with emergency responders on standby for potential fire outbreaks.
Schools Cancel Classes, City Urges Residents to Stay Indoors
As conditions worsened, several area schools canceled classes to protect students and staff from hazardous conditions. Meanwhile, the City of Lubbock issued a public safety alert, advising residents to remain indoors whenever possible.
“The U.S. National Weather Service in Lubbock has issued a Blowing Dust Warning until 8 PM this evening for the Caprock area,” the city stated on social media. “Widespread blowing dust could reduce visibility to 1/4 mile or less. Isolated wind gusts up to 90 mph will be possible.”
Ongoing Monitoring and Recovery Efforts
Power companies continue to monitor outages, and Xcel Energy has been reaching out to affected customers regarding the status of the planned Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). Officials stressed that restoration efforts could take time, as high winds must subside before crews can safely inspect and repair damaged power lines.
Residents can stay updated on outages by visiting the Xcel Energy and LP&L power maps:
Xcel Energy Outage Map: outagemap-xcelenergy.com
LP&L Outage Map: electricoutage.ci.lubbock.tx.us/gridvu
Authorities continue to monitor conditions and urge residents to stay cautious, avoid travel, and prepare for potential extended outages.
