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Severe Thunderstorm Threat From the Central Plains to the Northeast; Extreme HeatRisk for the East Coast

Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible from the central Plains to the Northeast through this evening. Widespread damaging winds are the primary threat but hail and a tornado or two is also possible. Extremely dangerous heat continues across the Eastern U.S. Warm overnight low temperatures will provide little to no relief. Read More >

Amarillo, TX

Weather Forecast Office

Texas Panhandle wildires of Feb. 16-17, 2011

Weather.gov > Amarillo, TX > Texas Panhandle wildires of Feb. 16-17, 2011

 

Wildfires of February 16-17, 2011
Two fires occurred in Lipscomb County, TX on February 16, 2011. The fire in Central Lipscomb County burned 10,600 acres and the other fire in Southeast Lipscomb County burned 5,310 acres. The cause of the fires is unknown at this time.

Several structures were threatened, however, none were lost. Evacuations did occur as well. Multiple briefings were given to the local County Emergency Management Office as well as several fire department representatives through the afternoon and evening. An aerial survey was conducted by the Texas DPS and can be viewed by clicking the link below.

On February 16, 2011, one fire occurred just south of Dumas, TX and burned over 2,000 acres. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

Once NWS Amarillo learned of the fire, the fire weather forecaster immediately called the Moore County Emergency Manager and gave a briefing on weather conditions. The Moore County Emergency Manager was in constant contact with the NWS Amarillo office through the evening hours as the timing of a cold front was going to play havoc with the wind direction and subsequently the fire.

All of the fires that occurred were under Red Flag Warnings at the time of occurrence with lead times as high as 18+ hours. Many graphicasts were issued as well as numerous briefings and interviews were conducted. NWS Amarillo also briefed Amarillo/Potter/Randall County Fire Chief about the fire potential for the next two weeks.
 
 
Higgins/Lipscomb Wildfire Damage Assessment (Courtesy of Texas DPS/Amarillo EOC/Lipscomb County)
 

 

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