A potent storm system raced across Colorado and Kansas through the day, causing strong to extreme southwest to west winds across the area, but especially across the northern Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles. By mid-morning, winds were already gusting to well over 60 mph across the northwest half of the Panhandles. Wind gusts were measured at 70 to 90 mph by observation sites during the peak of the wind event which occurred between 11 am and 3 pm. Sustained winds ranged from 40 to 50 mph during this period and some site briefly measured sustained winds close to 60 mph. These winds led to damage to trees, powerlines, and roofs in areas where the strongest winds occurred. In addition, there were several reports of semi trucks being overturned across the area. Blowing dust caused widespread visibility reductions down to 1 to 3 miles and there were reports of localized areas where visibility dropped to less than a 1/4 mile leading to several  major accidents and road closures. Three of the fires in the Panhandles were classified as significant wildfires as they raced uncontrolled across the landscape.

Wildfire in CARSON, TEXAS
From 15-DEC-21 13:15:00 to 19-DEC-21 16:29:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

At 1315CST on Wednesday December 15th, Texas A&M Forest Service received a request for assistance for the North 207 fire approximately 8.5 miles west of Skellytown Texas or 8 miles south southeast of Borger Texas in Carson County. Texas A&M Forest Service crews were working in unified command with local resources. Extreme fire behavior due to weather conditions are being observed. The fire was heading towards Skellytown and threatening multiple homes earlier in the day. Residents of Skellytown were evacuated and been directed to an evacuation center in Pampa Texas. All evacuations for Skellytown were lifted. At approximately 1500CST, evacuations for the community of Skellytown were ordered. An estimated 500 residents were evacuated. Evacuation orders for Skellytown were lifted later on. State resources from Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) continued to work on the North 207 wildfire. Crews secured line around the fire and  continued patrolling, and mop-up duty. Wind conditions allowed for air attack on the fire and provided mapping and situational awareness to ground resources. Highway 152 from Farm to Market Road 2386 to the city limits of Borger were closed while the North 207 Fire remained active. There was a report that one home and one structure have been lost. One home and one other structure were reported threatened but were saved. No further damages have been reported. There have been no reports of any injuries or fatalities. The wildfire consumed 23,810 acres and was reported to be contained on December 19 around 1629CST.

Wildfire in OLDHAM, TEXAS
From 15-DEC-21 11:15:00 to 17-DEC-21 18:54:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

On Wednesday, December 15th, the Parker Creek fire started in Oldham county about 4 miles south southwest of Channing, Texas. The fire spread rapidly and Texas A&M Forest Service was called for assistance at 1115CST. Winds were reported gusting up to 80 mph in the area until 1500CST at which point there was a significant drop off. Good recovery in relative humidity, temperature drops and with winds slowing down fire spread was slowed. The fire was burning northeast towards a small farming community called Northcamp. The fire was burning in tall grass and being pushed by strong winds. Texas A&M Forest Service resources on scene include 2 dozers, a motorgrader, and 13 engines, including an Engine strike team from Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS). Several roads are closed in the region including Farm to market road 354 and Highway 287. The Parker Creek wildfire consumed 11,066.83 (11,067) acres and there were no reports of any homes damaged or lost by the fire. There were also no reports of any injuries or fatalities. The fire was finally contained on December 17 around 1845CST.