Wildfire and Severe Storms Are the Main Weather Risks in Armstrong County

Armstrong County earned a StormReady designation from the National Weather Service Amarillo office in September 2012. StormReady means a community has 24-hour emergency operations. It also means multiple warning systems, trained storm spotters, and formal weather plans. The NWS lists tornadoes and severe thunderstorms as the top risks for the Amarillo area, which includes Armstrong County.

Drought is also a serious concern here. Drought.gov shows all of Armstrong County can fall under severe drought at times. Drought turns dry grass into fuel. Fire moves fast across open plains. High winds across the High Plains make it move faster. When fire weather watches or red flag warnings are active, the county judge often issues a burn ban. Always check before burning anything outside.

Moving to or buying land here? Ask local emergency management a few key questions. Find out how close the nearest fire station is. Ask about tornado shelter options. Check whether the property falls inside a rural fire department's service area. The Texas Division of Emergency Management and the NWS Amarillo office are where to go for current conditions and safety guidance.