Amarillo Water Damage and Flood Cleanup Help, 24/7

Playas, Panhandle Storms and a Flat Landscape

Amarillo spreads across Potter and Randall counties at about 3,660 feet on the Llano Estacado. The ground is flat and drains poorly, so rain that does not evaporate or soak in tends to collect in playa lakes. The City's Drainage Utility uses city-owned playas to store stormwater runoff, and it publishes a Playa Lake Dashboard with water levels, rainfall and photos.

With about 19.66 inches of precipitation a year, Amarillo is dry most of the time. Water damage here usually comes in concentrated bursts:

• Thunderstorm downpours that fill playas and streets faster than they can drain.
• Arctic cold and snow, with an average of roughly 17 inches of snow a year.
• Hail, high wind and tornadoes that open roofs and windows to the next rain.
• Household failures such as water heaters, toilet supply lines and appliance hoses.

When Lawrence Lake Spilled Over in 2023

Late May and early June 2023 showed how quickly the Panhandle can flip from dry to flooded. The National Weather Service in Amarillo reported that many locations picked up 6 to 14 inches of rain in May, and much of the region had reached half of its annual rainfall by June 1.

On June 7, more heavy rain fell on saturated ground. Lawrence Lake overflowed into surrounding streets, businesses and residences, and more than 200 people and 50 pets were rescued in the Amarillo area. Residents of Valle de Oro along the Canadian River were evacuated.

Homes near playas and low-lying streets carry the most exposure, but a soaked yard and an undersized drain can push water under doors almost anywhere. You can watch playa levels on the City's Playa Lake Dashboard, and report drainage problems to the Drainage Utility at 806-378-6910 during weekday hours.

Safe Steps Once Water Is Inside

1. Get people out of danger. Never wade or drive through moving water, and keep children and pets away from floodwater.
2. Shut down power and water if you safely can. Turn off the breaker for flooded rooms only from a dry spot, and close the main valve for a plumbing leak.
3. Identify the water type. A burst supply line is clean water (Category 1). Water from a flooded street, playa or sewer line is Category 3 and needs professional cleaning and disinfection.
4. Record the damage. Shoot photos and video before moving anything, including the high-water line on walls.
5. Protect what you can. Move electronics, documents and keepsakes to a dry floor.
6. Line up help. Call (888) 817-5061 to reach a local company for emergency water removal and flood cleanup in Amarillo.

Eleven Below Zero: Freeze and Snowmelt Damage

During the February 2021 cold wave, Amarillo dropped to 11 below zero on the night of February 14, and two storms delivered a combined 12.4 inches of snow. Statewide, frozen pipes burst throughout Texas that month. NWS Amarillo has since documented more winter events, including a January 2024 blizzard and heavy snow in February 2024.

Cold causes water damage here in two ways. Pipes in exterior walls, attics and unheated garages can freeze and split, then leak when temperatures recover. Snow and ice on roofs can melt and back up under shingles, staining ceilings well after the storm. Insulating exposed lines, keeping cabinet doors open on frigid nights and knowing where your main shutoff is can save a lot of drywall.

Neighbors to the south in Lubbock face many of the same freeze risks.

Hail, Wind and Storm Damage Cleanup

Amarillo has been called the windiest city in the country, and its storm history includes the May 15, 1949 F4 tornado and many tornado events since. Large hail and straight-line wind are regular entries in the NWS Amarillo event archive.

Storm damage cleanup in Amarillo often starts on the roof. Tarping or boarding up broken windows keeps more rain from getting in, and then attic insulation, ceilings and wall cavities need checking for hidden moisture. Learn more about storm damage cleanup.

Sign up for AMAalerts, the city's emergency notification system, to get weather and public safety alerts on your phone.

How Local Restoration Companies Handle the Job

Most water damage restoration in Amarillo follows a familiar path, adjusted for the water category and the materials involved.

Inspect and map moisture

Crews locate the source and measure how far water spread into floors, walls and cabinets.

Extract and tear out

Standing water is removed, and floodwater-soaked carpet, pad, insulation and lower drywall are typically discarded.

Clean, dry and verify

Surfaces touched by contaminated water are cleaned and sanitized. Dehumidifiers and air movers then run, with daily readings, until materials meet drying targets. See structural drying.

Put it back together

Water damage repair covers drywall, flooring, trim and cabinetry. Ask whoever you hire about their licensing, insurance and training, for instance IICRC certification.

Mold Licensing in Texas and Insurance Basics

Per EPA guidance, mold may begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours on wet materials. Dry Panhandle air does not stop mold inside a sealed wall cavity or under soaked flooring.

Texas requires TDLR licensing for mold assessment and remediation, generally for mold of 25 contiguous square feet or more. One company may not both assess and remediate the same project, and a Certificate of Mold Remediation must be issued within 10 days after remediation. Look up licenses on the TDLR License Search, and read about mold removal.

• Flood is separate coverage. Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood; NFIP or private flood insurance covers it, and NFIP policies typically carry a 30-day waiting period.
• Sudden leaks only. The Texas Attorney General notes that most Texas homeowner policies cover sudden, accidental water leaks and may limit or exclude mold.
• Landlords and tenants. About 40 percent of Amarillo homes are rentals, so tenants should notify the owner in writing and keep their own photos.

Ready to get started? Call (888) 817-5061.

Amarillo Neighborhoods and Panhandle Communities Served

Our free referral line connects callers in Amarillo, on both the Potter and Randall county sides, and in nearby Panhandle towns with independent local restoration companies.

Neighborhoods

• Downtown Amarillo
• Polk Street
• Plemons-Eakle
• Wolflin
• San Jacinto
• Route 66-Sixth Street
• Eastridge
• Lawrence Lake area

Nearby communities

• Canyon
• Bushland
• Hereford
• Umbarger
• Valle de Oro
• Borger

Local emergency and flood resources

Official sources for alerts, flood maps and preparedness in and around Amarillo:

• Amarillo Office of Emergency Management
• AMAalerts emergency alert sign-up
• City of Amarillo Drainage Utility
• Amarillo Tornado, Hail and Flooding Safety