Amarillo Braces for First Snowfall: Timing Still a Mystery

Once the calendar hits Halloween, we start to wonder when the first snow of the season will hit in Amarillo. It's almost a game that people like to play. Office pools are created, and others will place friendly bets on when it's going to happen.

Now, we're past Thanksgiving, into December, and STILL haven't seen any snow...until now, it would appear. Reports are showing that the snow we've been waiting for is coming, but it may or may not happen while you're sleeping.

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How Much Snow Are We Expecting

There have been varying reports as to what we could see fall. Some say that accumulation will be relatively light, while I've seen other reports that say up to two inches could be coming. I mean, that's in true Amarillo fashion, isn't it? It could snow a little, or it could snow a lot.

When the snowfall could begin is also another huge question mark. Many models have it starting overnight while we sleep, then depending on what time you wake up, you COULD see a little bit of it falling. Meanwhile, some models project the snow could come as early as 3 pm today. So, flip a coin, really.

Preparations For Winter Weather Underway

With the chance of snowfall officially in the forecast, TxDOT has gotten a jump on making sure things are ready for the potential weather. It's not necessarily the snow that causes issues, but the moisture that hits the ground and then freezes over. That's what creates the truly slick travel.

TxDOT has already gotten out and started pre-treating certain areas that cause the biggest issues, and they'll finish whatever they didn't get to yesterday. Priorities for TxDOT include the interstate, roadways of high priority (think major roads leading to work or school), intersections, bridge decks (those ice over FAST), along with steep grades and sharp curves.

They also lay a heavy focus on routes that lead to hospitals, schools, and emergency facilities. So, with so many question marks, but knowing that the snow is coming at some point, drive carefully and stay alert.