Tornado, Hail and Flooding Safety
Last updated:
05/01/2025
Severe weather is a reality in the Texas Panhandle—especially during spring and summer. Tornadoes, large hail, and flash flooding can develop quickly and pose serious threats. This guide helps Amarillo residents understand how to prepare, stay safe, and know where to find trusted information during these events.
Tornado Watches, Warnings, and Amarillo’s Outdoor Warning Sirens
Understanding alerts is the first step in staying safe:
- Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for tornadoes. Be alert and ready to take shelter if needed.
- Tornado Warning: A tornado has been spotted or detected by radar. Take shelter immediately.
The City of Amarillo’s outdoor warning sirens are activated during tornado warnings or other life-threatening emergencies. These sirens are designed to be heard by people who are outdoors. If you are outside and hear a siren, you should seek shelter indoors immediately and tune in to an official source for more information. If you’re indoors, you may not hear the sirens clearly or at all. This is why it’s important to have multiple ways to receive alerts. The City of Amarillo tests the sirens on the last Friday of every month to ensure they are working properly, weather permitting. These tests are brief and will be announced in advance through official city communication channels.
City of Amarillo Resources and Alerts
The Amarillo Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is your official source for local emergency updates and guidance.
How to stay informed:
- Sign up for Amarillo Alerts to receive text and email emergency notifications for Potter and Randall counties: amarilloalerts.com
- Follow Amarillo OEM on Facebook for updates: facebook.com/AmarilloOEM
- Check the National Weather Service – Amarillo for weather forecasts and warnings: weather.gov/ama
Emergency Preparedness: Shelter-in-Place & Go Bags
When a tornado warning is issued, take action immediately.
How to Shelter-in-Place:
- Go to a small, windowless interior room on the lowest floor of your home
- If possible, use a basement or storm shelter
- Cover yourself with a mattress, heavy blankets, or helmet to protect against flying debris
- Bring pets and your emergency kit with you
What to Pack in a Go Bag (for shelters or quick evacuation):
- Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
- First aid kit and essential medications
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Portable phone charger
- Copies of identification and important documents
- Basic tools or multi-tool
- Baby supplies or pet items if needed
Flash Flooding: What To Know
Severe storms often produce heavy rain and dangerous flash flooding in Amarillo.
During a Flood:
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown – never drive or walk through floodwaters
- Avoid underpasses, dips, and low-lying areas that flood quickly
- If indoors, move to higher ground if water begins rising
- Do not attempt to cut power unless it’s safe—evacuate if necessary
Following heavy rainfall events, the City of Amarillo monitors playa lake levels and that the stormwater system is operating properly. Pumps can be activated as needed. For more information, visit: www.amarillo.gov/drainage-utility/
Hail Safety: What To Do Before and During a Storm
Hail can cause injury and significant property damage. It’s common in Amarillo storms.
Before a Hailstorm:
- Park vehicles in a garage or under cover
- Secure or bring in outdoor furniture
- Close blinds or curtains to prevent injury from broken glass
During a Hailstorm:
- Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors
- If in a vehicle and unable to find shelter, safely pull over. Angle your vehicle so hail hits the windshield, which is reinforced, and use a blanket or jacket for protection