Amarillo, TX — A fast-moving band of moderate snow is pushing across the southern Texas Panhandle late Wednesday night into early Thursday, creating slippery roads and sharply reduced visibility for several Amarillo-area communities.
Snow Intensifies Across the Southern Texas Panhandle
The National Weather Service in Amarillo reports that “a band of moderate snow is moving through the southern Texas Panhandle” and is expected to continue shifting southward into early Thursday morning. Forecasters note that snowfall rates “may reach up to 0.1 inch per hour,” enough to quickly coat roads and bridges with slick, icy surfaces.
Visibility has already begun to drop in the heaviest bursts of snow, with the NWS stating that “visibility may be reduced to one mile or less” at times. The strongest snow bands are expected “between now and 3 a.m.”, after which lighter flurries may continue through mid-morning.
Communities Facing the Heaviest Impacts
Cities and towns positioned directly under the snow band—including Amarillo, Claude, Clarendon, Wellington, and Hereford—are likely to experience worsening road conditions overnight. Even light accumulation mixed with sub-freezing temperatures is expected to create hazards on:
- Bridges and overpasses
- Rural highways
- Untreated city streets
- Elevated road surfaces exposed to faster cooling
According to the NWS, “even light snow accumulation combined with below-freezing temperatures can cause rapidly deteriorating road conditions overnight.”
Travelers may notice snow packing onto lanes, especially in open areas where winds can push snow across roadways.
Why the Roads Are Getting Dangerous So Quickly
This event is being driven by a compact but moisture-rich disturbance sliding across the Panhandle. Despite modest snowfall rates, the cold ground and freezing air temperatures allow snow to stick immediately.
Meteorologists explain that lightly falling snow can still produce hazardous travel when temperatures are in the 20s and lower 30s. Snow that melts under vehicle tires can quickly refreeze into thin, hard-to-see ice, especially before sunrise.
Road crews may struggle to keep ahead of changing conditions overnight, as repeated snowfall bands redeposit fresh powder onto cleared surfaces.
What Drivers Should Do
Authorities urge drivers to use caution if travel is unavoidable. Motorists are advised to:
- Reduce speed and allow extra braking distance
- Avoid sudden lane changes
- Watch for icy spots on bridges and ramps
- Keep headlights on in snow bursts
- Check road conditions before heading out Thursday morning
The NWS emphasizes that “drivers are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid travel if possible until conditions improve.”
When Conditions May Improve
Light snow is expected to taper off after sunrise Thursday, though lingering slick spots may persist through late morning. Once temperatures rise above freezing later in the day, roads should gradually improve.
However, forecasters caution that any extended period of cloud cover or lingering cold may delay melting in shaded spots and rural areas.
Conclusion
Snow bands moving across the Amarillo region are already creating slick roads and pockets of poor visibility, and conditions may worsen through early Thursday morning. Residents should plan for a slower commute, remain alert to changing weather, and monitor local updates throughout the morning.
Tell Us in the Comments
Is snow already affecting roads where you live? Share your observations in the comments so others in the community can stay aware.
