Winter Storm Warnings in Amarillo, Texas
Perched high on the Texas Panhandle at roughly 3,600 feet elevation, Amarillo sits in a climate zone where cold Arctic air can sweep across the plains with little warning. Between 2012 and 2024, the city averaged 10.8 inches (27.5 cm) of snowfall per year — modest by northern standards, but enough to create serious hazards on roads and infrastructure ill-equipped for prolonged winter conditions.
Snow falls most reliably in February, December, and January, in that order. Truly heavy snowstorms are rare events here; the data show an average of just 0.2 heavy-snow days per year, meaning a significant accumulation event happens roughly once every five years. Major snow days average an even rarer 0.1 per year. Winter overnight lows typically settle around 30.1°F (−1.1°C) — cold enough for ice to form and linger.
A Winter Storm Warning issued for Amarillo signals that forecasters expect conditions dangerous enough to disrupt travel and daily life. It is important to understand that warning thresholds are not uniform across the country; the snowfall totals or ice accumulations that trigger a warning here on the Southern Plains may differ significantly from those used in the Upper Midwest or the Northeast. When a warning is in effect locally, residents should treat it seriously regardless of how the numbers compare elsewhere.
| Years analyzed | 13 winters (2012–2024) |
|---|---|
| Avg. annual snowfall | 10.8 in (27.5 cm) |
| Snowiest months | February, December, January |
| Avg. winter overnight low | 30.1°F (−1.1°C) |
| Heavy-snow days per year | 0.2 |
Climatology figures are approximate estimates for the period shown and may differ from official local records.
Watch vs warning: a winter storm watch means a major storm is possible in Amarillo within 12–48 hours (be prepared); a winter storm warning means it is happening or about to (take action now). For full definitions, see the complete winter storm warning guide.
Amarillo winter storm FAQ
Is there a winter storm warning in Amarillo right now?
The live status at the top of this page shows whether a winter storm warning, watch, or advisory is currently in effect for Amarillo, Texas. It checks live forecast and alert data automatically and refreshes every time the page loads.
Does Amarillo get winter storm warnings often?
Amarillo sees moderate snowfall in a typical winter, with winter storm warnings during the stronger systems. The frequency varies year to year with the track of major storm systems.
How much snow triggers a winter storm warning in Amarillo?
There is no single national trigger: warning criteria are set by each local National Weather Service office, ranging from a couple of inches of snow in areas where snow is rare up to 6 inches or more in snow-belt regions, and significant ice accumulation can warrant a warning on its own.
What should I do during a winter storm warning in Amarillo?
Avoid travel if possible, stay indoors and keep warm, prepare for power outages, keep an emergency kit, and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours. Follow guidance from Texas authorities and the National Weather Service (NWS).
Winter storm warnings in nearby locations
- Winter storm warning in Lubbock, TX
- Winter storm warning in Santa Fe, NM
- Winter storm warning in Oklahoma City, OK
- Winter storm warning in Norman, OK
- Winter storm warning in Colorado Springs, CO
- Winter storm warning in Albuquerque, NM
See all locations, read the latest winter weather news, or the full winter storm warning guide. Definitions follow the National Weather Service (NWS) criteria; thresholds vary by region.