After Winter Storm Cora dumped several inches of heavy snow in the region Thursday, a majority of area schools, offices and businesses were closed Friday due to hazardous conditions, and some roads were closed in the Texas Panhandle and Amarillo area as snow packed roads and strong winds led to blowing snow drifts, low visibility and stranded vehicles.
“I40 WB proper is now backed up to Washington St.,” the Amarillo Police Department said 10:20 a.m. update in a Facebook post. “Amarillo, please stay home so we can get traffic cleared. Please share this with everyone you know. Our emergency crews are working to clear the roads, but it slows us down when we have to work around wrecks and stuck cars. We also have to answer all other calls for service. Please stay home and let emergency crews get the streets cleared.” APD said at 10:15 a.m. that I-40 westbound was backed up to Western Street, and the frontage road was backed up to Coulter. “AGAIN, we are asking that if you do not need to get out and drive this morning, please stay home and let emergency crews and services work to clear the roadways.”
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Amarillo office said Friday morning at about 9:15 a.m. that both directions of FM 767 from US 54 to US 385 in Dallam County are closed due to icy road conditions, and they will post updates as more information becomes available.
More: How many inches of snow did Texas get? See totals for Dallas, Fort Worth and the Panhandle
I-40 westbound remains shut down at Soncy due to the poor road conditions to the New Mexico state line, and New Mexico had I-40 eastbound closed at Tucumcari, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
“TxDOT is actively working with local and state agencies to aid drivers in both directions of I-40 from Amarillo to the New Mexico State line. We ask that drivers in this area remain patient as crews from multiple agencies are working to help stranded drivers and clear the roadways,” TxDOT Amarillo said in an early Friday update posted on Facebook. “Westbound I-40 remains closed at this time. Eastbound I-40 is open but traffic is slow moving and drivers should expect delays due to the current conditions. We’re urging the traveling public to stay off the roadways unless it’s an absolute emergency. If you have to be out on the roads, please give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, drive to conditions and slow down. Continue to visit drivetexas.org or call (800) 452-9292 for current road conditions.”
The streets in south Amarillo are covered with a wintry mix Friday morning after Winter Storm Cora dumped several inches of snow in the area throughout Thursday.
The Potter County Sheriff’s Office warned people in a Facebook post that “if you need to get out wait till it warms up and bit and the sun can help with the snow and ice. I know kids are out but please do not be sledding down streets or pulling them with vehicles! Play in the yard build a snowman, whatever just stay off the streets. Also there are several places that hills that everyone likes to go sled down. Some of those places have water at the bottom, please don’t do that, it only takes one time to end in the water and now we have a desperate rescue to make. Be safe and stay warm, and be careful if you MUST get out!” PCSO said that along with I-40 being closed, 106 and US 385 are not any better.
The National Weather Service Amarillo office urged motorists to reconsider venturing out early on Friday due to drifting snow and snow packed roads making for a horrible commute, especially on roads running east/west and those exposed to more of the wind, including outer parts of city and out-of-city limits. For the latest road conditions, check with TxDOT, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, and NMDOT.
The Amarillo VA Medical Center also announced closures due to weather, closing its outpatient clinics for safety on Friday while the main Emergency Department and inpatient services remained fully operational. Patients who have appointments scheduled at the Amarillo VA Medical Center are being contacted for rescheduling or to convert their existing appointments to virtual. All outpatient clinics in Lubbock, Clovis, Childress and Dalhart remain open. For emergencies, call 911. Veterans in crisis can call 988 then press 1 for 24/7 confidential professional support, or text 838255 or chat online here https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.
The Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management shared a Post-Snow Safety Alert on Facebook: “The snow may have stopped, but safety comes first! Here are a few reminders for navigating the day after:
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Drive Safely: Roads may still be icy. Slow down, leave extra space, and avoid unnecessary travel.
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Shovel Smart: If clearing snow, lift with your legs, not your back, and take breaks to avoid overexertion.
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Watch for Ice: Walkways and stairs could be slippery—wear proper footwear and stay cautious.
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Check on Neighbors: Especially the elderly or those with limited mobility who may need assistance.
Let’s work together to keep everyone safe. Report downed power lines or other hazards to local authorities immediately. Stay warm and take it slow out there!”
Amarillo ISD said the basketball games between Tascosa at Caprock will take place Friday at 4 and 5:30 p.m., varsity only. All other games with AISD involving travel outside of town will be decided soon.
Chili competition postponed
The annual Tri State Open Chili Cook-off has been moved from Saturday to Sunday, Jan. 12 at the fairgrounds, with the pod cook-off and junior cook-off on Sunday at the Rex Baxter Building, both turned in at 1 p.m., the organization announced on Facebook. “Tri State open is still on for tomorrow same turn in times,” the cook-off said in a Friday post. “Sorry for any inconvenience! There will be no cook off today!”
The annual event features cooks from across the Texas Panhandle and beyond to see whose chili reigns supreme and to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The event also features door prizes, a silent auction, music and more; admission is free, and tasting cups are $5. Doors were scheduled to open at 11:30 a.m. For questions, contact them at 806-433-8181 or visit their page on Facebook.
This is a developing story. More information will be added as it becomes available.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Texas Panhandle travel impacted by winter storm, road closures
