City of Amarillo Weather Response

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 (winter weather), and flooding. 

Be alert!  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.

Sign up for emergency alerts.

Click here to sign up for  local emergency alerts at AMA Alerts.

Download emergency alerts app — Everbridge — via the Apple or the Google Play App store :

  Download the free Apple App 

  Download the free Google App

In case of emergency, call 9-1-1 or 806-378-3038.

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 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

For further information, see the following:

• View Snow & Ice Control Policy
• View Map of Overpass Locations
• View Snow Plow Route Map

When Should I Call the City?

If you see a main street intersection is very icy or covered in slick snow or a main street has drifting snow creating an obstruction. (The city does not maintain state highways.)

Please note that our established maintenance routes are our priority, which may limit our immediate response to additional reports/situations.

• Call 806-378-6815 (Streets) between 7:30am and 4:30pm
• Call 9-1-1 after 4:30pm

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

When Should I Call the City?

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.

• Call 9-1-1

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.

When Should I Call the City?

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

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.

When Should I Call the City?

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

• Fires spread quickly, report immediately
• Plan ahead and keep your landscape as fire-resistant as possible and keep are clear of debris
• Clear area around home of items that can burn
• Follow evacuation orders

When Should I Call the City?

• Call 9-1-1

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.

When Should I Call the City?

If you note an emergency flooding issue.

• Call 9-1-1 

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.

◼ Series on Sirens — Episode 1

◼ Series on Sires — Episode 2

◼ Series on Sirens — Episode 3

Learn About the Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

The OEM's role is in ensuring community safety and preparedness. The OEM is always on duty and is often the first to alert city departments and the community to severe weather.

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. Click here for more information on the OEM.

Being prepared is always a great place to start. Click here for resources on preparing for severe weather or disasters.

Get trained as a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member, click here for details.

Not sure who to call for non-emergencies?
Dial 806-378-3000 for MyAmarillo assistance
from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.

Weather Readiness FAQs