Severe Winds Cause Major Traffic Disruptions Across Texas

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – High winds across Texas have resulted in multiple road closures and low visibility conditions impacting motorists on various highways and roads. As of Tuesday morning, Highway 60 between Farwell and Bovina was closed in both directions due to multiple vehicle accidents.

Eastbound and westbound traffic on Highway 60 is entirely shut down as crews respond to the situation. In addition, FM 214 south of Friona is experiencing zero visibility, prompting authorities to advise caution while traveling.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), traffic on SH 70 to Pampa has reopened, but FM 281 remains closed between SH 70 and US 83 due to limited visibility from an area wildfire. The agency reported that Highway 70 north towards Perryton is also shut down because of fire and severe visibility constraints in the southern part of the county.

Crews are currently working to clear a blown-over semi-truck situated in the middle of SH 70, about two miles south of I-40 in Donley County. The TxDOT Childress reported, ‘Avoid this area if possible.’

Furthermore, westbound I-40 at mile marker 140 was reduced to one lane following a separate semi-truck crash. SH 207 was initially closed from Borger to Panhandle as a result of a multi-vehicle incident, but by 3 p.m., this roadway has reopened.

In Armstrong County, eastbound traffic on Highway 287 was rerouted at County Road 3330 due to poor visibility between Claude and Washburn. Officials announced that US 287 was opened to traffic later in the day.

In Potter County, Highway 136 was reported closed due to a flipped semi, and a three-semi rollover has caused the closure of both northbound and southbound lanes on US 87 from Dumas to Amarillo. The Potter County Sheriff’s Office advised against travel in both directions due to low visibility conditions.

I-40 remains closed up to the Oldham County line due to a serious incident. TxDOT has noted downed power lines and broken poles affecting Highway 136. As of 3:11 p.m., westbound I-40 has reopened, while eastbound remains closed with traffic detoured to nearby frontage roads.

North and southbound lanes of Helium Road (Loop 335) from 34th Avenue to Hillside Road have reopened; however, I-27 is closed in both directions from Highway 217 in Canyon to Happy due to reports of a pile-up.

Additionally, intersections in Hereford are experiencing issues, as several traffic lights have gone down. Local authorities are treating these intersections as four-way stops until repairs are made.

In Memphis, railroad crossing arms on US 287 and SH 256 are broken, and law enforcement is on-site providing assistance until officials from BNSF arrive to address the malfunction.

An overturned semi-truck is blocking both southbound lanes of US 287 between Memphis and Estelline in Hall County, leading to traffic being directed onto the shoulder of the roadway.

Highway 83 north out of Canadian is closed due to zero visibility, and US 83 from FM 281 to US 60 is also shut down for the same reason. TxDOT continues to monitor weather conditions and will provide updates as the situation progresses.