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Amarillo TX Local News Breaking news CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER - Power Shutoffs Expected Tuesday: Xcel Energy has announced a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is likely for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, potentially affecting 14,500-15,000 customers across 14-16 Panhandle counties including Potter and Randall [1] [2] [3] . The shutoff is expected to begin between 8-9 a.m. and last until approximately 5 p.m., though power restoration could take several hours to several days [1] [3] . Fatal Crash in No...
CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER - Power Shutoffs Expected Tuesday: Xcel Energy has announced a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is likely for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, potentially affecting 14,500-15,000 customers across 14-16 Panhandle counties including Potter and Randall [1][2][3]. The shutoff is expected to begin between 8-9 a.m. and last until approximately 5 p.m., though power restoration could take several hours to several days [1][3].
Fatal Crash in North Amarillo: One person is dead after a crash in north Amarillo on Monday evening. The crash occurred on N. Fillmore between S. 1st Avenue and N. 1st [4][5]. Details remain limited as authorities investigate.
Woman Hospitalized After Mobile Home Crash: A woman suffered life-threatening injuries after crashing into a mobile home off East Amarillo Boulevard on the morning of February 12, 2026 [6].
Commercial Structure Fire Contained: A large commercial structure fire near Soncy Road and Heritage Hills is now under control [1][7].
Valentine's Day Shooting: A 28-year-old man was wounded and faces multiple charges after a shooting Saturday night near a United Supermarket [8][9].
Wildfire Near Potter/Carson County Line: A wildfire is burning near the Potter/Carson County line as critical fire conditions persist [4][5].
EXTREMELY CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER ALERT - TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17: The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning and Red Flag Warning for the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles and Eastern New Mexico [4][5][10]. Forecasters warn of extremely critical fire weather conditions with wind gusts potentially exceeding 60 MPH, low humidity, and dangerously dry vegetation [4][5][10].
Emergency Preparations Underway: Texas officials are pre-positioning pilots, aircraft, and nearly 150 emergency personnel across the Texas Panhandle, including staging in Borger, Dalhart, Canadian, and Pampa [4][5]. The Texas A&M Forest Service has raised the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 3 [3].
What Residents Should Do: Public safety officials stress that even a small spark could lead to a fast-moving wildfire [4]. Residents should remain alert, monitor local forecasts, and have an evacuation plan in place should a wildfire develop nearby [4][5]. TxDOT warns that strong winds could cause sudden low visibility from blowing dust, making travel hazardous [3].
Extended Forecast: Weather conditions are expected to improve slightly Tuesday night, but another round of very windy and dry weather is expected Wednesday afternoon, with similar conditions possible Thursday [4]. Temperatures: Tuesday 76°F, Wednesday 70°F [4][5].
Scouting America Flag Retirement Service - President's Day: Scouting America accepted frayed or torn American flags for proper retirement on President's Day, February 14, 2026, as part of a community service event [6][11]. This free service provided residents a dignified way to retire worn flags.
America 250 Flag Turn-in and Retirement Ceremony: As part of NewsChannel 10's celebration of America's 250th birthday, organizers hosted a flag turn-in and retirement ceremony [1][7]. This community event allowed residents to properly retire American flags.
Fermi America 'Hypergrid' Campus Coming to Amarillo: A 5,800-acre "Hypergrid" campus designed to power next-generation Artificial Intelligence is coming to Amarillo near Pantex [9]. Announced in June 2025, the Fermi America project is scheduled to be online by the end of 2026, representing a major economic development for the region [9].
School Closures Due to Power Shutoff Threat: Multiple school districts have announced closures for Tuesday, February 17, due to potential power outages [1][12][13]. Dalhart ISD was the first to announce, moving their in-service professional development day from Friday to Tuesday [12][13]. River Road ISD also announced closure Tuesday out of an abundance of caution [3]. Many other districts are monitoring the situation and may adjust schedules [3].
Spring 2026 Enrollment Growth: Amarillo area colleges and universities have reported growth in spring 2026 enrollment numbers [1][14].
City Council Approves Infrastructure Debt: The Amarillo City Council approved nearly $11 million in debt Tuesday for a firetruck and water and sewer projects, though they tabled a $30 million certificate of obligation [6].
Potter County Indictments in Teen Shooting Death: Two men have been indicted for the New Year's Day shooting death of a 15-year-old teenage girl [6]. Potter County has raised the stakes for the man accused in the case [6].
PACE Unit Pursuit Ends in Arrest: An Amarillo man is in Randall County Jail on a federal hold after a brief police pursuit ended in a rollover crash. Officers recovered a loaded rifle and methamphetamine [6].
Bishop Zurek's Resignation Accepted: The Vatican has accepted the resignation of Bishop Patrick J. Zurek, ending his tenure as the longest-serving bishop in the history of the Diocese of Amarillo [8][9].
Avian Flu Testing Completed: The City of Amarillo has completed initial avian flu tests [6].
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