A series of minor weather disturbances moved through the region from April 9th through the 11th. These combined with increased moisture to bring showers and storms to the region.
Every event with a place to put it; 2 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS AMA wrote it up.
A series of minor weather disturbances moved through the region from April 9th through the 11th. These combined with increased moisture to bring showers and storms to the region. With enough wind shear available in the atmosphere, some of these storms brought severe wind gusts to the region. Dry and windy conditions were in place on April 9th and that helped drive the spread of a wildfire known as Mary 15 to almost 900 acres. Additionally, the Lightning Roll Wildfire would be sparked due to dry lightning in Beaver County on the evening of April 9th. That fire would go on to burn 2,412 acres.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Amarillo, TX wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Apr 9, 5:06 PM CST, 39 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Amarillo TX 606 PM CDT Thu Apr 9 2026 ...New AVIATION... .KEY MESSAGES... Issued at 110 PM CDT Thu Apr 9 2026 - Strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible each afternoon and evening with the primary hazards being large hail and damaging winds. A tornado cannot be ruled out Saturday. - Elevated to critical fire weather will be possible Monday and Tuesday, but it will depend upon how much rain occurs in the days before. && .SHORT TERM... (This evening through Friday night) Issued at 110 PM CDT Thu Apr 9 2026 Mid-level moisture is apparent across the Panhandles this morning in the form of altocumulus. A mid-level perturbation aloft will approach the Panhandles throughout the day, and we'll see a surface low develop in northeastern New Mexico. This will lead to strengthening southerly to southwesterly winds, culminating in 15-25 mph sustained winds with gusts up to 35 mph. As the perturbation moves into the Panhandles around the mid-afternoon, we will see some isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms increase starting in eastern New Mexico into the far western Panhandles. This initial activity will be very high-based with virga leading to strong downdrafts being the primary hazard. Won't be able to rule out a dry thunderstorm which may lead to a lightning-induced fire or two. This activity will move east into slightly greater moisture content leading to greater instability. Will be looking at MLCAPE between 500 J/kg to 1000 J/kg with effective shear values are expected to be between 25-35 kts. Most likely storm mode will be multicells, but can't rule out a supercell if instability and shear values are more toward to higher end of the previously stated ranges. Activity should wane this evening, though there is a 20-40% chance for elevated showers and thunderstorms to persist in the northern combined Panhandles where the more favorable mid-level forcing and moisture compensates for the nocturnal low-level stability. PoPs will increase overnight to 40-60% in the northeastern combined Panhandles when a cold front moves into the northern combined Panhandles. This area will also be on the nose of a 850mb jet set up across the Texas Panhandle. Clouds are favored to hang around Friday morning but we should see some clearing Friday afternoon, at least across the Texas Panhandle. Meanwhile, most guidance suggests the early Friday morning front will eventually stall out Friday afternoon. Similar to today, we will see showers and thunderstorms become possible around the middle of Friday afternoon, with the greatest coverage in the vicinity of the boundary. Low-level moisture content and instability will be higher (MLCAPE 750-1250 J/kg) than today, but wind shear is expected to be lower (20-25 kts). As such, expecting the most organized storms to be multicells with a large hail and damaging wind threat. A key detail that will need to be determined for the Friday afternoon thunderstorm threat is where the boundary ends up when it stalls. The 12km and 3km NAM, and a few other CAMs, bring the boundary to the Canadian River Valley while the HRRR and the operational GFS, and most of its ensembles, keep the boundary in the northern combined Panhandles. Will lean toward the CAM solution of a further south boundary, especially given the potential for showers and thunderstorms along and behind the front in the northeastern combined Panhandles. Upper-level winds will become diffluent over the Panhandles, and combined with additional mid-level embedded shortwave troughs, this will favor increased chances for showers and thunderstorms the Panhandles Friday night into Saturday morning. Moisture content will increase overnight, and with the potential for multiple rounds of rain, there is around a 10-40% chance for rain amounts to exceed 0.50" across the northwestern half of the combined Panhandles. Vanden Bosch && .LONG TERM... (Saturday through next Wednesday) Issued at 110 PM CDT Thu Apr 9 2026 Showers and thunderstorms may be ongoing to begin Saturday morning, but should eventually move out of the area by Saturday afternoon. An upper-level trough will move toward the Panhandles Saturday as moisture from the Gulf and the eastern Pacific continues to stream into the area. Clouds are expected to persist through the morning, but could clear out some degree in the afternoon at least in the Texas Panhandle. If enough heating and destabilization can occur, then another round of showers and thunderstorms is likely across the area. MLCAPE values between 1000 J/kg to 2000 J/kg will be possible where sufficient destabilization can occur. Effective shear values should increase toward the mid/late afternoon hours to 25-35 kts, suggesting predominately multicells with a low chance for a supercell. Large hail and damaging winds are once again the primary hazards, but given increased low-level shear and low LCLs, a tornado or two cannot be ruled out. This is especially true in the late afternoon/early evening hours when the nocturnal LLJ starts to increase. Precipitable water values will range from 0.8" to 1" in the western Panhandles to 1" to 1.2" in the east, which is above the 99th percentile in the climatology for the date. This, along with the tall and relatively skinny CAPE profile, suggests the potential for heavy rain with rain rates up to 1"/hr favored, but cannot rule out 2"/hr rates with a stronger thunderstorm. A couple limiting factors for flash flood potential include very dry soil and the expected progressive nature of thunderstorms (i.e., not expecting slow moving or backbuilding thunderstorms). Thunderstorms will eventually push east out of the Panhandles Saturday night into Sunday. Another upper-level trough will swing out of Mexico and into western and central Texas on Sunday, resulting in a surface low in northeastern New Mexico. This will strengthen winds across the area and, unfortunately, dry air will move in from the west and we'll be left with a dry day with temperatures in the upper-70s to mid-80s. A larger upper-level trough will dip into the western Panhandles on Monday and we'll see a surface low develop in the Central Plains. This will lead to a breezy and dry day with some elevated to critical fire weather conditions. The level of fire weather concerns will depend upon how much rain falls over the next 72 hours. Will have to keep an eye on the timing, track, and orientation of the trough as it ejects across the Rockies on Tuesday. There is some indication that low-level moisture could get drawn back into the far southeastern Texas Panhandle and present a risk for a strong to severe thunderstorm, but confidence is very low at this point. But Tuesday could be another elevated to critical fire weather day, again depending on how much rain we can get. Vanden Bosch && .AVIATION... (00Z TAFS) Issued at 544 PM CDT Thu Apr 9 2026 Mostly VFR conditions expected to prevail through the period. The main threat will be some thunderstorms, especially in and around KAMA through 03Z. Chances for showers and thunderstorms should drop off through the period with maybe a 30 percent chance for thunderstorms at KDHT and KGUY towards the end of this period. Winds are expected to stay predominately southerly outside of outlfows from showers and thunderstorms. && .AMA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... TX...None. OK...None. && SHORT TERM...52 LONG TERM....52 AVIATION...03
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Amarillo TX 115 PM CDT Thu Apr 9 2026 OKZ001>003-TXZ001>020-317-100700- Cimarron-Texas-Beaver-Dallam-Sherman-Hansford-Ochiltree-Lipscomb- Hartley-Moore-Hutchinson-Roberts-Hemphill-Oldham-Potter-Carson- Gray-Wheeler-Deaf Smith-Randall-Armstrong-Donley-Collingsworth- Palo Duro Canyon- 115 PM CDT Thu Apr 9 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight. Scattered thunderstorms will be possible across the western and central Panhandles this afternoon and evening. Some of these could be strong to severe with damaging winds and hail the primary threats. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. Thunderstorms are possible Friday through Sunday for the Panhandles. Some thunderstorms each day could be severe will all hazards in play. Localized flooding is also possible, especially on Friday and Saturday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will likely be needed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
547 PM CDT Thu Apr 9 2026
TXZ007-012-092315-
Potter TX-Moore TX-
547 PM CDT Thu Apr 9 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN POTTER AND
SOUTHEASTERN MOORE COUNTIES THROUGH 615 PM CDT...
At 547 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 4
miles south of Masterson, or 20 miles south of Dumas, moving east at
20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Masterson, Four Way, and Lake Meredith.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3564 10207 3576 10193 3582 10162 3555 10163
3551 10202
TIME...MOT...LOC 2247Z 255DEG 18KT 3558 10197
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
HarrelSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
605 PM CDT Thu Apr 9 2026
TXZ001-002-092330-
Sherman TX-Dallam TX-
605 PM CDT Thu Apr 9 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN SHERMAN AND EAST
CENTRAL DALLAM COUNTIES THROUGH 630 PM CDT...
At 605 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Stratford, moving east at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Stratford.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3618 10218 3646 10220 3649 10175 3616 10179
TIME...MOT...LOC 2305Z 278DEG 12KT 3635 10205
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
HarrelSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
628 PM CDT Thu Apr 9 2026
TXZ011-012-017-100000-
Potter TX-Randall TX-Oldham TX-
628 PM CDT Thu Apr 9 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHERN RANDALL...SOUTHEASTERN
OLDHAM AND SOUTHERN POTTER COUNTIES THROUGH 700 PM CDT...
At 628 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles northeast of Wildorado, or 16 miles east of Vega, moving east
at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Amarillo, Wildorado, and Bushland.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 27 between mile markers 121 and 123.
Interstate 40 between mile markers 47 and 81.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3517 10217 3518 10217 3518 10226 3533 10226
3546 10203 3549 10167 3516 10164
TIME...MOT...LOC 2328Z 255DEG 14KT 3528 10214
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
HarrelSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
637 PM CDT Thu Apr 9 2026
TXZ007-008-012-013-100000-
Hutchinson TX-Potter TX-Carson TX-Moore TX-
637 PM CDT Thu Apr 9 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN CARSON...
SOUTHWESTERN HUTCHINSON...NORTHEASTERN POTTER AND SOUTHEASTERN MOORE
COUNTIES THROUGH 700 PM CDT...
At 637 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 6
miles south of Lake Meredith, or 17 miles southwest of Borger, moving
east at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Borger, Fritch, Sanford, and Lake Meredith.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3548 10183 3566 10182 3576 10137 3545 10136
TIME...MOT...LOC 2337Z 275DEG 18KT 3556 10168
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
HarrelPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
640 PM CDT Thu Apr 9 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0633 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 10 ESE Valley de Oro 35.42N 101.93W
04/09/2026 M59 MPH Potter TX Mesonet
Wind gust of 59 mph recorded at Mesonet
station 82 Amarillo 15NNW.
&&
RLFSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
641 PM CDT Thu Apr 9 2026
OKZ001>003-TXZ002>004-100015-
Cimarron OK-Texas OK-Beaver OK-Sherman TX-Ochiltree TX-Hansford TX-
641 PM CDT Thu Apr 9 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WESTERN BEAVER...TEXAS...EASTERN
CIMARRON...NORTHERN HANSFORD...NORTHERN SHERMAN AND NORTHWESTERN
OCHILTREE COUNTIES THROUGH 715 PM CDT...
At 640 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking several strong
thunderstorms across the north central Texas and Oklahoma
Panhandles, moving east at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Guymon, Stratford, Beaver, Hooker, Goodwell, Gruver, Tyrone, Forgan,
Optima, Hardesty, Hough, Adams, Boyd, Floris, Griggs, Eva, Bryans
Corner, Baker, Mocane, and Turpin.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3652 10055 3626 10129 3623 10216 3699 10217
3700 10047
TIME...MOT...LOC 2340Z 253DEG 16KT 3684 10147
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
HarrelThe Dodge City radar (KDDC), 121 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 01:22 UTC.
2 wildfire, 2 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
The Lightning Roll Wildfire was caused by dry lightning on the evening of April 9th and would go on to burn 2412 acres. While we don't have full containment date on record, it was updated as over 70 percent contained by the morning of April 12th.
There is not much information on the Mary 15 Wildfire, but from what we can see it occurred 17 miles NW of Guymon, OK and it burned 899 acres. It's cause was natural, and it was updated as contained on the morning of April 12th.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Oklahoma in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyWarnings in Oklahoma, April 2026
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1322152, 1322151, 1320493, 1320495.