Winds sweep the Panhandle off its feet
Posted: 01.22.2012 at 1:37 PM

AMARILLO, TEXAS -- *** VERY WINDY!! HIGH FIRE DANGER!!! ***

Today's winds are exceptionally strong as an upper-level storm system passes by overhead.

Winds sustained in the 25-35 mph range with gusts upwards of 60 mph are likely, especially for the first half of the day! Storm Search 7 School Net has clocked winds in the 70 mph range. Click here to see the Exclusive School Net. By the afternoon, winds may taper off quite a bit, but the first part of the day will be quite gusty! 

Visibilities on the roadways are somewhat poor as the wind picks up dust across the High Plains, so do be careful out on the roads! As this upper level storm system has moved in overhead, rain has begun to fall across the region, with a little sleet and snow mixed in.

Rainfall totals should in general remain below .10", but in this historic drought, we'll take whatever rain we get, even if is a little muddy!! The wind direction will be changing as a cold front, associated with the upper-level storm system, blows through.

Southwesterly winds ahead of the frontal boundary will shift around to the north as the front blows through. After the winds shift, they will also begin to diminish.

High temperatures will vary somewhat due to the arrival of the front as the Oklahoma Panhandle sees highs only warm to around 50° or so, while the SE TX Panhandle sees highs in the upper 50s to lower 60s.

Skies will be mostly sunny for much of the area, before we see more cloud cover associated with the storm system move overhead, creating mostly cloudy conditions.

For Shelly's full forecast, click here.