Icy roads lead to crashes, school closings in Texas Panhandle Wednesday
Several school districts in the Texas Panhandle were closed Wednesday due to icy road conditions, and authorities were warning people to stay off the roads after responding to numerous accidents due to hazardous travel.
Amarillo College (AC) said its Hereford campus is closing at 1 p.m. Wednesday due to weather. AC said its Amarillo campuses will continue to observe standard operating hours at this time.
In addition, West Texas A&M University (WT) in Canyon and the Harrington Academic Hall in Amarillo will be closing at 2 p.m. Wednesday, and students should check with faculty regarding course alternatives. WT said campus status for Thursday, Feb. 13 will be communicated by 6 a.m.; further updates will be shared via email, the WT home page, WT social media and the Safe Zone app and texts.
"Due to the icy road conditions, DPS is responding to multiple vehicle crashes across the district, most of which have occurred on I-40 in every county," Sgt. Cindy Barkley with the Texas Department of Public Safety said in a 9:30 a.m. update, advising people to stay home if possible.
Those who must travel are urged to take it slow and allow plenty of room between them and the vehicle in front of theirs. "Don't use your cruise control or brake suddenly. Be patient and give yourself ample time to get where you are going. Drive safely. Drive smart."
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Amarillo office reported that in Hartley County, both directions of US 54, just west of FM 767 to the New Mexico state line, were closed around 10 a.m. Wednesday due to multiple semi-truck crashes, and crews were working to clear the scene. Travelers were asked to avoid the area.
A Winter Weather Advisory for most of the region remains in effect until noon, with mixed precipitation including possibly additional snow accumulations up to a half inch for the northern Texas Panhandle and the entire Oklahoma Panhandle, as well as additional ice accumulations from a trace up to a few hundredths of an inch.
The National Weather Service Amarillo said in an update posted on Facebook that "Freezing drizzle continues this morning across the combined Panhandles, and temperatures continue to drop. This will make ice build up even easier on untreated roads, especially on bridges!" In addition to the slick roads Wednesday morning, NWS Amarillo noted that cold temperatures and wind chills were a concern, with highs expected in the 20s to low 30s.
The drivetexas.org map showed multiple roadways in the region impacted by patches of ice and snow.
School districts were either closed or in the process of cancelling classes Wednesday due to the deteroriating weather conditions.
Those who were closed include:
Amarillo College campus in Dumas
Booker ISD
Dalhart ISD
Darrouzett ISD
Dumas ISD
Follett ISD
Fort Elliott CISD - "Students picked up on buses will be delivered home."
Gruver ISD
Hartley ISD
Highland Park ISD
Plemons-Stinnett-Phillips ISD
Pringle-Morse CISD
Shamrock ISD
Spearman ISD
Sunray ISD
Wellington ISD
Other schools were running on two-hour delays.
The Student Council Conference in Amarillo at the Civic Center was cancelled due to icy travel conditions.
This is a developing story; more information will be added as it becomes available.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Schools close due to hazardous icy conditions in Texas Panhandle
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-lead-image-SPARTANBURGSC0825-33d814671c34409cafb4a74e7316cf1f.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Charming City Is One of the Best Places to Retire in South Carolina—and It's Located Between Charlotte and Atlanta
Catch a Spartanburgers baseball game. Sip a cold beer and enjoy some live music at Rockers Brewing Co. The Son of a Peach ale is something of a local legend. Spend time outdoors at Cleveland Park, home to walking trails, playgrounds, and more. Stay at the AC Hotel Spartanburg in the heart of downtown, close to restaurants, parks, and the ballpark. Have dinner at stylish but cozy The Kennedy, which serves a menu of Southern-inspired dishes. South Carolina is filled with towns that blend Southern hospitality, delicious food, and a touch of natural beauty—and Spartanburg is no exception. Located between Charlotte and Atlanta, Spartanburg is an under-the-radar gem that offers all the makings of a great weekend getaway: scenic parks, walkable downtown streets, excellent coffee, and burgeoning culinary and craft beer scenes. What really sets it apart, though, is its balance of small-town warmth and big-city energy. I recently spent a few days exploring this vibrant Southern city and found myself amazed by its lively local events, minor league baseball games, tucked-away trails, and locally inspired restaurants. Spartanburg was also named one of the best places to retire in South Carolina—which means you can expect exactly what I found: a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, remarkable affordability, and a balance of energy and relaxation. Whether you're into hiking, patios with string lights, or sipping something peachy at a local brewery, Spartanburg delivers with heart. Here's everything you need to plan your own unforgettable South Carolina escape. Aerial view of the main road through Spartanburg, South Carolina. ChrisBoswell/Getty Images If you're flying in, the closest airport is Greenville-Spartanburg International (GSP), located about 30 minutes from downtown. GSP offers direct and reasonably priced flights to and from major hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Miami, and more. Spartanburg is also easy to reach by car. It's about 1.5 hours from Columbia, less than 1.5 hours from Charlotte, and roughly three hours from Atlanta. I made the scenic drive from Virginia, passing through scenic foothills and stretches of farmland. Pocket park in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Spartanburg is walkable, affordable, and packed with personality. While it's growing rapidly, the city hasn't lost its small-town soul. Everyone I met, from baristas to bookstore owners, was genuinely kind and proud of their city. Zach Fox, director of communications for Spartanburg, agrees, saying, "Spartanburg, particularly downtown, is a very welcoming place. It blends some big-city offerings with small-town charm." For those who love the outdoors, like myself, it's a good idea to pack comfortable shoes. There are scenic trails, peaceful gardens, and well-kept parks either within walking distance or just a short drive from downtown. Last but not least, if you're a beer lover or foodie, come hungry and thirsty because Spartanburg knows how to serve up flavor. A sunny day in a Spartanburg is packed with energy, from outdoor concerts to baseball games, and the brewery patios are buzzing. If you're looking to hike or relax in a garden, spring and fall are equally lovely, with mild weather and blooming wildflowers or changing leaves. Fox says his favorite time in Spartanburg is the fall, when the crisp, cool air finally rolls in after the hot, humid summer—a refreshing change that makes those first few weeks especially enjoyable. Main Street in Downtown Spartanburg South Carolina. This lakeside park offers walking trails, shady trees, and peaceful views. It was the perfect spot to unwind after a busy morning of exploring downtown. Grab a seat at Fifth Third Park and enjoy an evening of baseball under the lights. The home crowd brings plenty of energy, and the family-friendly atmosphere makes it a fun stop whether you're a sports fan or just in it for the snacks. If you're looking to escape the sun, but still want to stay active, head to Streaking Birdies. This indoor golf spot, located across from the AC Hotel, features high-tech simulators and a fun vibe that makes for a good time, whether you're practicing your swing or just playing for laughs. This independent bookstore is a downtown favorite, filled with titles by Southern authors and charming gifts. It's a great place to cool off, browse, and support Spartanburg's literary scene. Right next door is Little River Coffee Bar. There's nothing quite like pairing a good book with a delicious cup of coffee, so I highly recommend combining the two. From stylish clothing and outdoor gear to handmade gifts and teas, Spartanburg's walkable downtown area is filled with shops worth exploring. The mix of boutiques lends the area a creative, welcoming energy. Fox says, "I usually recommend a stroll through downtown Spartanburg, especially because I came to [the city] at a time when downtown was really on life support. Many storefronts were still empty, and there weren't many people around. That has definitely changed over the years." The pool at the AC Hotel Spartanburg. Chic and centrally located, the 10-story AC Hotel Spartanburg in the heart of downtown made an ideal home base during my visit. It features a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city and the curated art collection throughout the property adds a thoughtful, creative touch. One of the best perks is the outdoor pool, a perfect way to cool off in the South Carolina summer. Plus, the property's location is just a short walk from coffee shops, restaurants, and the baseball stadium. The Spartanburg Marriott has an outdoor pool and an American restaurant with plenty of seating outside, plus it's just a short walk from downtown, making it an overall convenient stay. A closeup of a sandwich from FR8yard. I love it when a place offers upscale, delicious food without feeling too formal, and The Kennedy hits that sweet spot. Every dish is a winner, but what really stood out to me were the cocktails, cheddar biscuits, and chicken parmesan. As a big fan of biergartens, I was excited to check out FR8yard, known for its lively atmosphere that welcomes adults, kids, and dogs alike. Fox says it's one of his favorite spots, sharing, "They have a great selection of drinks and some really solid bar food. On top of that, they have live music almost every night, and when there isn't a performance, they often break out a large projector for movie nights or show big sporting events." Start your day with a flavorful breakfast at this gourmet market and cafe. I loved the house-made sauces and Southern specialties, especially the quiche. Cribb's Kitchen is a must for burger lovers. This modern bistro offers a diverse menu featuring elevated sandwiches and hearty Southern classics, including deviled eggs and fried green tomatoes, all served in a friendly environment. Fox says one of his favorite ways to spend an afternoon in Spartanburg is combining a few local favorites: catching a Spartanburgers game, stopping by FR8yard either before or after, and then wrapping up the day with dinner at Cribb's Kitchen. For craft beer enthusiasts, Rockers Brewing Co. is a local favorite renowned for its innovative brews and inviting taproom. It's a great place to unwind and sample Spartanburg's best beers.
Business Insider
31-07-2025
- Business Insider
'Must Be Recognized and Compensated': Air Canada Stock (TSE:MDA) Jumps as Strike Vote Looms
Canadian airline stock Air Canada (TSE:AC) is having a rough time of things right now. Its earnings report disappointed, and a strike vote of around 10,000 flight attendants is looming in the background. Yet despite all this, investors are feeling downright optimistic about Air Canada's future. Sufficiently so, in fact, that they sent share prices jumping over 3% in Wednesday afternoon's trading. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. The vote has already begun, and will run until August 5, as the flight attendants in question are deciding whether or not to launch a full strike against Air Canada. The issues at stake are mostly of the usual variety. The flight attendants are looking for better wages, as well as improvements to pensions, changes in 'rest rules,' and for compensation for work they are currently doing without pay. A representative for the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) noted, 'We're calling attention to systemic issues, especially the 35 hours per month flight attendants spend working unpaid during boarding…. That time must be recognized and compensated.' Even if the vote goes in favor of a strike, a strike cannot be launched immediately. A 21-day 'cooling-off period' must follow, as well as 72 hours of advance notice. This means that a strike essentially cannot start until late August. But that still takes a bite out of the summer travel season, a point that Air Canada is likely eager to avoid. Air Canada's Team of Pack Rat Baggage Handlers Some air travelers know what it is like to lose parts of their luggage. But it is likely less often that customers get back things they never owned to begin with. One Air Canada passenger, Linda Royle, discovered what that was like recently after a flight in late March. Royle got her carry-on suitcase returned to her, reports noted, after being asked to check the bag. But not only were several items missing, but also, several items she had never packed now took their place, as though Air Canada's baggage handler staff was composed of a team of pack rats. She had lost '…hundreds of dollars' worth of shoes, books, medication and clothing,' only to be replaced with '…two old shaving kits…a knife and a man's boarding pass dated April 2020.' Also included, oddly, was an Air Canada baggage scanner device. Is Air Canada Stock a Good Buy Right Now? Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating on TSE:AC stock based on nine Buys and two Holds assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 25.16% rally in its share price over the past year, the average TSE:AC price target of C$25.18 per share implies 26.77% upside potential.
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Yahoo
Wild weather to lash Australia as cold front, heavy rain barrels through
A powerful blast of winter weather is bearing down on Australia this week, with heavy rain, strong winds and chilly temperatures forecast to hit several states in the coming days. Parts of New South Wales and southeast Queensland — which are set to cop the brunt this week — are bracing for up to 70mm of rain, large surf and persistent cold southerlies, while Sydney faces a string of dreary, wet days and a potentially intense low-pressure system on Saturday. Meanwhile, Perth and southwest Western Australia are also in for a soggy stretch, with rain expected and cool temperatures to return by the weekend. New South Wales The system kicks off today, with a cold front sweeping through inland NSW and pushing showers towards the coast by early Wednesday morning. "We've got a weak cold front coming through today through parts of NSW, and we'll see showers inland," Senior Meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology Jonathan How told Yahoo News Australia. "The showers will reach the coast of Sydney early tomorrow morning [Thursday], and then the cold front moves off. But then we're stuck with a very persistent southerly wind flow across NSW, all the way to the weekend." That persistent flow will drive widespread showers along the coast from the Illawarra to the Hunter region. In Sydney, it'll barely hit 15 degrees on Wednesday, with much of the rain focused on coastal suburbs. "Up to 70 millimetres of rain could fall in the eastern suburbs," How said. "For most of eastern NSW on Thursday and Friday, we'll have pretty persistent showers, cold southerly winds, and large waves. For Sydney, it's probably mostly just the eastern suburbs." Some areas in the Hunter, Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers could see daily rainfall totals reaching between 50 and 100mm through the weekend. Winds along parts of the northern coastal fringe may also become damaging, with gusts surpassing 90km/h. Snow is also expected to fall across the central and northern ranges at elevations above 1,000 to 1,300 metres, which could impact transport on certain roads due to ice, even outside the usual alpine zones. How said the soggy streak will culminate on Saturday as a low-pressure system begins to form offshore. "There's another low that's developing on Saturday," How said. "So we'll see a low-pressure system off the coast of NSW — and that'll push more widespread rain, strong gusty winds and large waves. Pretty cool temperatures across much of eastern NSW." While the weekend system isn't expected to be extreme, there is potential for flash flooding in coastal pockets. "There is the potential for some pretty heavy falls on the weekend of more than 50 millimetres," How said. "We're probably looking at the Illawarra, Sydney, the Hunter — that pocket." Queensland Further north, Queensland will also feel the chill, though without quite as much rainfall. "On Friday, Saturday, that frontal system moves up the coast to bring a rain band into Queensland down to the Bay, which brings pretty unstable rainfall across southeastern Queensland. Nothing particularly heavy," said How. "Brisbane is in for a pretty cold day — 16 degrees on Saturday — and then colder out west, down to 11 degrees and a pretty cold wind as well." Western Australia The wet weather won't be confined to the east. "There's been pretty heavy rain in Perth and the southwest over the last few days," How said. "Some suburbs have already experienced persistent showers, and will again on Saturday." How said cooler air will trail behind the rain, keeping conditions unsettled heading into the weekend. Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the NT Elsewhere around the country — particularly in South Australia, Victoria, and the NT — weather conditions are relatively settled this week. Tasmania may see some light showers, but no significant systems are expected. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
