SPC has upgraded the Texas Panhandle to a Level 3 of 5 Enhanced Risk for scattered severe thunderstorms this evening, with damaging straight-line winds over 80 mph the primary hazard. Quick severe weather update for Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 2:30 PM.
WHO’S INCLUDED
The Level 3 risk covers Dalhart, Dumas, Amarillo, Vega, Canyon, Borger, Pampa and back east toward McLean. A Level 2 risk covers portions of Northwest Texas and West Texas.
A Level 3 means several to numerous severe storms are possible, with roughly a 1 in 3 chance of a severe storm within 25 miles of your location.
WHY THE UPGRADE
Increased potential for damaging straight-line winds over 80 mph this evening. Short-range, high-resolution model guidance is consistent in showing a gnarly cluster of thunderstorms moving southeast across the Panhandle, with locally heavy rain, damaging winds and pocket-change-size hail. Dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning and blowing dust are a good bet.
Model guidance shows winds of 70 to 80 mph with the stronger storms at peak intensity this evening.
TIMING
Expect an uptick in storm numbers and intensity especially after 5 to 7 PM, continuing through the late evening as storms move southeast. Storms weaken early Wednesday morning as they reach the southeastern and eastern Panhandle, though strong winds and residual showers could continue through 3 to 4 AM.
A severe thunderstorm watch from the Storm Prediction Center is expected soon.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE DARK
Bring in your trash cans. Secure anything outside you don’t want flying away — patio furniture, trampolines, umbrellas. Winds of 80 mph will move them.
Have a way to receive warnings that will wake you up.
FIRES
We’re also keeping a close eye on the fires ongoing in portions of North Texas. No new updates on that activity as of now.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Level 3 Risk in the Panhandle Tonight
0:40 Why SPC Upgraded
1:42 What to Do Before Dark
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