Alert archive / Texas / Blizzard Warnings in 2017

Blizzard Warning 1, NWS Amarillo, TX

April 30, 2017Dallam County, Hartley County, Sherman County, Texas; Cimarron County, Texas County, Oklahoma

NWS Amarillo, TX issued this blizzard warning at Apr 30, 2017, 10:25 AM CDT for Dallam County, Hartley County, Sherman County, Texas; Cimarron County, Texas County, Oklahoma. It was in force for 9 hr. 3 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Apr 30, 2017, 10:25 AM CDT (15:25 UTC)
Expired
Apr 30, 2017, 7:00 PM CDT
In force
9 hr
Issued by
NWS Amarillo, TX

Counties Cimarron County, OK, Texas County, OK, Dallam County, TX, Hartley County, TX, Sherman County, TX

The radar

The Amarillo radar (KAMA), 135 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 15:27 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Apr 30, 10:35 AM CDTSNOW 10Stratford, TX
Apr 30, 10:50 AM CDTSNOW 74 E Dalhart, TXWHITEOUT CONDITIONS WITH VISIBILITY AROUND 50 YARDS
Apr 30, 1:00 PM CDTSNOW 12Boise City, OK

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Amarillo Airport, TX (KAMA), launched 12:00Z, 3.4 hours before the alert went out and 136 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Amarillo Airport, TX at 12:00Z on 2017-04-30Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Amarillo Airport, TX at 12:00Z on 2017-04-30The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -73 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
631 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
10 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-73 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
-80 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

560 
WWUS44 KAMA 301525
WSWAMA

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
1025 AM CDT Sun Apr 30 2017

OKZ001-TXZ001-006-302330-
/O.UPG.KAMA.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-170501T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KAMA.BZ.W.0001.170430T1525Z-170501T0100Z/
Cimarron-Dallam-Hartley-
Including the cities of Boise City, Keyes, Dalhart, Hartley, 
and Channing
1025 AM CDT Sun Apr 30 2017

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING...

The National Weather Service in Amarillo has issued a Blizzard
Warning...which is in effect until 8 PM CDT this evening. The
Winter Storm Warning is no longer in effect.

* Timing...Through 7 PM Sunday.

* Precip Type...Snow.

* Accumulations...Storm total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 
  inches are expected, with the highest amounts along the 
  extreme northwest Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle.

* Winds/Visibility...Winds gusting as high as 70 mph will cause 
  whiteout conditions due to blowing snow.

* Impacts...The potential exists for very difficult to impossible
  driving conditions due to reduction in visibility along with
  slick roadways. North winds 30 to 40 mph with higher gusts will
  cause drifting of snow and reduced visibilities. Power outages
  may occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are 
expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds 
and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout 
conditions...making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If 
you must...have a winter survival kit with you. If you get 
stranded...stay with your vehicle.

&&

$$

OKZ002-TXZ002-302330-
/O.CON.KAMA.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-170501T0000Z/
Texas-Sherman-
Including the cities of Guymon and Stratford
1025 AM CDT Sun Apr 30 2017

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS
EVENING...

* Timing...Through 7 PM Sunday.

* Precip Type...Snow.

* Accumulations...Storm total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 
  inches are expected, with the highest amounts along the 
  extreme northwest Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle.

* Impacts...The potential exists for very difficult to 
  impossible driving conditions due to reduction in visibility 
  along with slick roadways. North winds 30 to 40 mph with 
  higher gusts will cause drifting of snow and reduced 
  visibilities. Power outages may occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow...
sleet...or ice are expected or occurring. Strong winds are also
possible. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible.

&&

$$

OKZ003-TXZ003>005-007>018-302330-
/O.CON.KAMA.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-170501T0000Z/
Beaver-Hansford-Ochiltree-Lipscomb-Moore-Hutchinson-Roberts-
Hemphill-Oldham-Potter-Carson-Gray-Wheeler-Deaf Smith-Randall-
Armstrong-
Including the cities of Beaver, Forgan, Spearman, Gruver, 
Perryton, Booker, Higgins, Follett, Dumas, Borger, Miami, 
Canadian, Vega, Amarillo, Panhandle, White Deer, Pampa, Shamrock,
Wheeler, Hereford, Canyon, and Claude
1025 AM CDT Sun Apr 30 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS
EVENING...

* Timing...Through 7 PM Sunday.

* Precip Type...Snow.

* Accumulations...Storm total accumulations of 1 to 5 inches are 
  expected. Higher amounts are expected as you travel north of 
  the I 40 corridor.

* Impacts...Areas of poor visibility and slick roadways may 
  create difficult driving. North winds 30 to 40 mph with higher 
  gusts may cause drifting of snow and reduced visibilities.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow...sleet...or
freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for
slippery roads and limited visibilities...and use caution while
driving.

&&

$$

Schneider
3 follow-up statements
329 
WWUS44 KAMA 301714
WSWAMA

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
1214 PM CDT Sun Apr 30 2017

OKZ002-TXZ002-010100-
/O.UPG.KAMA.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-170501T0000Z/
/O.EXA.KAMA.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-170501T0100Z/
Texas-Sherman-
Including the cities of Guymon and Stratford
1214 PM CDT Sun Apr 30 2017

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING...

The National Weather Service in Amarillo has issued a Blizzard
Warning...which is in effect until 8 PM CDT this evening. The
Winter Storm Warning is no longer in effect.

* Timing...Through 7 PM Sunday.

* Precip Type...Snow.

* Accumulations...Storm total snow accumulations of 6 to 8 inches
  are expected, with the highest amounts along the northwest 
  Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles.

* Winds/Visibility...Winds gusting as high as 70 mph will cause 
  whiteout conditions due to blowing snow.

* Impacts...The potential exists for very difficult to impossible
  driving conditions due to reduction in visibility along with
  slick roadways. North winds 30 to 40 mph with higher gusts will
  cause drifting of snow and reduced visibilities. Power outages
  may occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are 
expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds 
and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout 
conditions...making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If 
you must...have a winter survival kit with you. If you get 
stranded...stay with your vehicle.

&&

$$

OKZ001-TXZ001-006-010100-
/O.CON.KAMA.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-170501T0100Z/
Cimarron-Dallam-Hartley-
Including the cities of Boise City, Keyes, Dalhart, Hartley, 
and Channing
1214 PM CDT Sun Apr 30 2017

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS
EVENING...

* Timing...Through 7 PM Sunday.

* Precip Type...Snow.

* Accumulations...Storm total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 
  inches are expected, with the highest amounts along the 
  extreme northwest Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle.

* Winds/Visibility...Winds gusting as high as 70 mph will cause 
  whiteout conditions due to blowing snow.

* Impacts...The potential exists for very difficult to 
  impossible driving conditions due to reduction in visibility 
  along with slick roadways. North winds 30 to 40 mph with 
  higher gusts will cause drifting of snow and reduced 
  visibilities. Power outages may occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are
expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds
and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout
conditions...making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If
you must...have a winter survival kit with you. If you get
stranded...stay with your vehicle.

&&

$$

OKZ003-TXZ003>005-007>018-010000-
/O.CON.KAMA.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-170501T0000Z/
Beaver-Hansford-Ochiltree-Lipscomb-Moore-Hutchinson-Roberts-
Hemphill-Oldham-Potter-Carson-Gray-Wheeler-Deaf Smith-Randall-
Armstrong-
Including the cities of Beaver, Forgan, Spearman, Gruver, 
Perryton, Booker, Higgins, Follett, Dumas, Borger, Miami, 
Canadian, Vega, Amarillo, Panhandle, White Deer, Pampa, Shamrock,
Wheeler, Hereford, Canyon, and Claude
1214 PM CDT Sun Apr 30 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS
EVENING...

* Timing...Through 7 PM Sunday.

* Precip Type...Snow.

* Accumulations...Storm total accumulations of 1 to 5 inches are 
  expected. Higher amounts are expected as you travel north of 
  the I 40 corridor.

* Impacts...Areas of poor visibility and slick roadways may 
  create difficult driving. North winds 30 to 40 mph with higher 
  gusts may cause drifting of snow and reduced visibilities.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow...sleet...or
freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for
slippery roads and limited visibilities...and use caution while
driving.

&&

$$

Schneider
237 
WWUS44 KAMA 302038
WSWAMA

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
338 PM CDT Sun Apr 30 2017

OKZ003-TXZ003>005-007>018-302145-
/O.CAN.KAMA.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-170501T0000Z/
Beaver-Hansford-Ochiltree-Lipscomb-Moore-Hutchinson-Roberts-
Hemphill-Oldham-Potter-Carson-Gray-Wheeler-Deaf Smith-Randall-
Armstrong-
Including the cities of Beaver, Forgan, Spearman, Gruver, 
Perryton, Booker, Higgins, Follett, Dumas, Borger, Miami, 
Canadian, Vega, Amarillo, Panhandle, White Deer, Pampa, Shamrock,
Wheeler, Hereford, Canyon, and Claude
338 PM CDT Sun Apr 30 2017

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

The National Weather Service in Amarillo has cancelled the Winter
Weather Advisory.

The snow is expected to end across the eastern Oklahoma Panhandle
and much of the Texas Panhandle by this evening. No further
snowfall accumulations are expected. Therefore, the Winter Weather
Advisory has been cancelled.

$$

OKZ001-002-TXZ001-002-006-010000-
/O.EXT.KAMA.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-170501T0000Z/
Cimarron-Texas-Dallam-Sherman-Hartley-
Including the cities of Boise City, Keyes, Guymon, Dalhart, 
Stratford, Hartley, and Channing
338 PM CDT Sun Apr 30 2017

...BLIZZARD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...

* Timing...Through 7 PM Sunday.

* Precip Type...Blowing and Drifting Snow.

* Accumulations...Storm total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 
  inches are expected, with the highest amounts along the extreme 
  northwest Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle.

* Winds/Visibility...Winds gusting as high as 55 mph will cause 
  whiteout conditions due to blowing snow.

* Impacts...The potential exists for very difficult to 
  impossible driving conditions due to reduction in visibility 
  along with slick roadways. North winds 30 to 40 mph with 
  higher gusts will cause drifting of snow and reduced 
  visibilities. Power outages may occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are
expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds
and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout
conditions...making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If
you must...have a winter survival kit with you. If you get
stranded...stay with your vehicle.

&&

$$

Schneider
228 
WWUS44 KAMA 302350
WSWAMA

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
650 PM CDT Sun Apr 30 2017

OKZ001-002-TXZ001-002-006-010100-
/O.EXP.KAMA.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-170501T0000Z/
Cimarron-Texas-Dallam-Sherman-Hartley-
Including the cities of Boise City, Keyes, Guymon, Dalhart, 
Stratford, Hartley, and Channing
650 PM CDT Sun Apr 30 2017

...BLIZZARD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...

Snow has ended and wind speeds have diminished across the warned
area. No further snowfall is expected and winds speeds will no
longer pose a threat for blowing snow. As a result, the Blizzard 
Warning will expire at 7 pm. 

$$

24

The office that day

Everything else NWS Amarillo, TX issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Apr 30, 3:48 AM CDTWind AdvisoryAMAArmstrong, Carson, Collingsworth, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray and 12 more16 hr
Apr 30, 3:50 PM CDTFreeze WarningAMADallam, Hansford, Hartley, Moore, Ochiltree, Sherman18 hr

Nearby

Blizzard Warnings in Texas, 2017Blizzard Warnings in Oklahoma, 2017Every blizzard warning in 2017

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.