National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Rare Southern U.S. Winter Storm; Dangerous Cold Weather For Much of the Eastern U.S.; Critical Fire Weather for Southern California

A rare winter storm impacting the Southern U.S. will move offshore Wednesday morning. Behind the storm, arctic air will continue encompassing the eastern two-thirds of the Nation with only a slow return to normal temperatures expected by the end of the week. Moderate to strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity will maintain Critical fire weather conditions in southern California into Thursday. 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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