The City of Amarillo keeps a close eye on weather conditions to make sure when severe weather is indicated our teams are ready to respond. City response can be initiated for high winds, tornadoes, wildfires, snow and ice, and flooding.
- CONTACT INFORMATION
- 806-378-3004
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Simms Municipal Building
808 S Buchanan St
Amarillo, TX 79101 -
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
7:00 am – 5:30 pm
weather readiness quick links
Sign Up for ama alerts
If you’re a resident of Potter or Randall counties, please sign up for our emergency alerts system. These alerts will share important information related to public safety, inclement weather and more.
It’s easy to sign up for these alerts, and you’ll get useful information direct to your phone. You can even download the Everbridge app on your iPhone or Android to get alerts through the app.
City of Amarillo Winter Weather Policy, Plan & maps
Learn more about the City of Amarillo Snow and Ice Control plan to be followed during emergency snow and ice storms including maps of snowplow maps and overpass locations.
About the Office of Emergency Management
The Office of Emergency Management takes the role of coordinator of resources in emergency operations. The OEM oversees the operations for the City of Amarillo, Potter County, Randall County, and the City of Canyon.
Learn more about the Office of Emergency Management, its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and links to helpful emergency preparedness resources.
City of Amarillo Weather Response
Weather situations can arise quickly and often leave little time to prepare or respond. When inclement weather occurs, stay tuned to local weather reports and respond to alerts.
Winter Weather
Most winter weather situations that Amarillo experiences are short in duration, but when higher levels of snow and ice are expected, the city follows a Snow & Ice Control Policy. The city encourages the community to avoid traveling during winter weather events. The city’s response is measured by the intensity of the storm and includes the following:
- The Street Superintendent takes charge to manage needed response
- The team works around the clock in 12-hour shifts until the weather situation is remedied
- The city DOES NOT maintain residential routes or highways
- The city prioritizes clearing street surfaces around:
- Hospitals
- Fire Departments
- Emergency Services
- Select Overpasses
- Streets Adjacent to Schools
- Main roads by open fields – to manage drifting snow
- Major roads with large volumes of traffic
- Downtown
- Alleys for city services like trash pickup
High Winds
- Stay indoors, if possible
- Avoid driving through low visibility areas
- Watch for downed power lines and tree limbs
- Fire risks are much higher; avoid creating sparks or flames
Thunderstorms
- Stay indoors
- Secure outside objects
- Consider unplugging electronic equipment
- Outdoor warning sirens will be activated if there is two-inch or greater of hail expected.
- Warning — Issued when a severe thunderstorm is indicated or spotted.
- Watch — Issued when conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorm.
Tornadoes
- Have a plan
- If outdoors, take shelter in the lowest lying location you can find
- If indoors, take shelter in basement, storm shelter, or most interior room on the lowest floor
- Do NOT shelter in a vehicle
- Outdoor warning sirens will be activated if there is a funnel spotted or high confidence of one forming.
- Warning — Issued when a tornado is indicated or spotted.
- Watch — Issued when conditions are favorable for tornadoes.
Flooding
- Be vigilant
- Do not go through floodwater
- Move to higher ground
- Warning — Issued when flash flooding is in progress or highly likely.
- Watch — Issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding.
Outdoor Warning Sirens
If outdoors and the sirens sound, go indoors immediately, and then look for information through media or social media channels. Those sources will give you information and instructions on how to respond. The sirens are activated during the following situations:
- Tornado
- Hail two inches or greater
- Hazardous material spill or Incident at Pantex
- Alert requested by County Sheriff, Police Chief, or Fire Chief
Find out more about sirens by watching our Series on Sirens on YouTube.
Who & when to call during a weather emergency
Experiencing inclement weather, and need to know when or if you should contact the City of Amarillo? Review the information below for helpful information and who to contact.
Winter Weather
There is snow and ice in the city limits, when should I contact the City of Amarillo?
Please contact the City if you notice a main street intersection is icy, covered in slick snow, or if snow drifts are creating obstructions on a main street. (Note: The City does not maintain state highways.)
Our priority is to maintain our established maintenance routes, which may limit our ability to respond immediately to other reports or situations.
- During Business Hours (7:30am to 4:30pm): Call 806-378-6815 (Streets Department).
- After Hours: Call 9-1-1 for urgent roadway hazards.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to keep roads safe.
High Winds
When should I contact the City of Amarillo during a high wind event?
If you see tree limbs or debris blocking a street:
- Call 806-378-6815 (Streets Department) between 7:30am and 4:30pm.
- After 4:30pm, call 9-1-1 for urgent street obstructions.
If you see a downed power line or fire:
- Call 9-1-1 immediately.
Thunderstorms
When should I contact the City of Amarillo during a thunderstorm?
If you see tree limbs or debris blocking a street:
- Call 806-378-6815 (Streets Department) between 7:30am and 4:30pm.
- After 4:30pm, call 9-1-1 for urgent street obstructions.
If you see a downed power line or fire:
- Call 9-1-1 immediately.
Tornadoes
When should I contact the City of Amarillo during a tornado?
After the weather clears, if you see tree limbs or debris obstructing a street.
- Call 806-378-6815 (Streets) between 7:30am and 4:30pm
- Call 9-1-1 after 4:30pm
See a downed power line or fire.
- Call 9-1-1
Wildfires
When should I contact the City of Amarillo during a fire?
If you see a fire, immediately call 9-1-1
Flooding
When should I contact the City of Amarillo during an emergency flood?
If you note an emergency flooding issue, please call 9-1-1
Weather Readiness FAQs
How does the City of Amarillo prepare for severe weather events?
The City of Amarillo actively monitors weather conditions to ensure that teams are ready to respond when severe weather is forecasted. This preparation includes mobilizing resources and personnel to address various types of severe weather, such as high winds, tornadoes, wildfires, snow and ice, and flooding. The city’s proactive approach helps protect residents and maintain essential services during these events.
How can I stay informed about severe weather in Amarillo?
To stay updated on severe weather conditions and emergency situations in Amarillo, residents can sign up for local emergency alerts through AMA Alerts. Additionally, downloading the Everbridge app provides real-time notifications on mobile devices. It’s important to stay tuned to local weather reports and respond to alerts promptly to ensure your safety and preparedness during severe weather.
When should I call 9-1-1 during severe weather in Amarillo?
You should call 9-1-1 during severe weather if you encounter a life-threatening situation, such as a fire, downed power lines, or immediate danger from the weather event. For non-emergency weather-related issues, like reporting downed tree limbs or icy roads, refer to the specific scenarios provided for guidance on when to contact city services directly.
What is the City of Amarillo’s approach to managing snow and ice on roads during winter weather?
During winter weather events, the City of Amarillo follows a Snow & Ice Control Policy to manage road conditions. The city prioritizes clearing roads around critical locations, including hospitals, fire departments, and major thoroughfares. Crews work around the clock in 12-hour shifts to address snow and ice, ensuring that the most important routes are kept clear. However, residential streets and state highways are not maintained by the city.