March 14 Winds In Amarillo, Texas: Accidents, Power Outages, And Chaos

Today, March 14, the extreme wind in Amarillo, Texas has caused absolute chaos. There has been everything from a trampoline making its way to I-27 to reports of massive wrecks. Debris is being blown all over the place. It's been a terrifying day.

Extreme Wind Causes Chaos In The Texas Panhandle

The extreme winds experienced today presented numerous hazards in the area. There were reports of grass fires, massive wrecks, downed powerlines, and at times there was no visibility thanks to the blowing dust. I even received a photo of a tree uprooted in someone's yard.

Power outages were reported in several areas. This was on top of the planned public safety power shutoff (PSPS) planned by Xcel Energy. Randall County Sheriff's Office reported earlier today that traffic had been rerouted on I-27 due to multiple traffic accidents.

Get our free mobile app

The Wind Battered Texas Panhandle

Around town there were instances of power lines being down. At one point, the wind was able to cause issues on Bell by ripping up a billboard and sending debris into the road.  With visibility almost nonexistent at times, travel was beyond hazardous.

Multiple businesses either decided not to open today, or were forced to close when they lost power. I received reports of various businesses suffering all manner of damage; from gutters being ripped off the side of the building to glass doors being shattered.

Be Extra Cautious And Aware Today

Fortunately, the wind is expected to die down later in the afternoon. Until then, exercise extreme caution if you absolutely must travel.

If at all possible, today is the day to stay indoors. It can be incredibly dangerous while these winds are blowing at such extreme speeds. Keep an eye on current forecasts and information.