Winds whip through Shackelford County

By David H. Waller

Strong winds swept through Albany on Friday, kicking up dust and making for a gusty afternoon across Shackelford County. The highest recorded sustained wind speed in Albany hit 39 mph at 2 p.m., with gusts reaching 60 mph. Dust from the west filled the air, reducing visibility and leaving a layer of dirt across town. Residents reported strong gusts rattling windows and sending loose debris flying, making travel difficult throughout the afternoon.

The gusty conditions were part of a larger storm system that battered much of West Texas and the Panhandle. Lubbock saw wind gusts top 80 mph, bringing down power lines and knocking out electricity to thousands of homes. In Amarillo, gusts reached 83 mph, flipping semi-trucks on Interstate 40 and causing multiple wrecks. A massive dust storm in the Panhandle led to low visibility and contributed to several accidents, with authorities confirming three fatalities.

Locally, the combination of high winds and dry conditions raised concerns about fire danger. Shackelford County remains under a burn ban, and officials are urging residents to be extremely cautious. The National Weather Service has warned that with no significant rainfall in the forecast, the risk of grass fires remains high, and even small sparks could quickly spread.

With wind expected to continue into the coming weeks, residents are advised to secure outdoor items, drive with caution in dusty conditions, and report any signs of fire immediately.