Tumbleweed Stampede Causes Traffic Chaos in Amarillo

Tumbleweed Stampede Causes Traffic Chaos in AmarilloTumbleweed Stampede Causes Traffic Chaos in Amarillo Amarillo, Texas – A swarm of tumbleweeds descended upon Amarillo on Wednesday, creating massive traffic jams and hazardous driving conditions. The tumbleweeds, driven by strong winds, formed a dense cloud that obscured visibility and drifted across roadways. The sudden influx of vegetation caused several multi-vehicle collisions, prompting the closure of major highways and interstates. “It was like driving through a blizzard, but instead of snow, it was tumbleweeds,” said witness Sarah Jones. “The cars were completely stopped and we couldn’t see more than a few feet ahead.” Traffic was backed up for miles as authorities struggled to clear the debris. Emergency responders reported several minor injuries, but no fatalities. “This is an unprecedented event,” said City Manager Jared Miller. “We are deploying all available resources to address the situation and ensure the safety of our residents.” The tumbleweed stampede also impacted local businesses. “We had to close our drive-through because the tumbleweeds were piling up in front of the entrance,” said a manager at a fast food restaurant. Meteorologists attributed the tumbleweed outbreak to a combination of drought conditions and high winds. The drought has left the surrounding plains barren, making the tumbleweeds particularly vulnerable to the gusts. Authorities are urging drivers to avoid unnecessary travel and to reduce speed if they must venture out. The Texas Department of Transportation has deployed snowplows and other equipment to remove the tumbleweeds from the roadways. “We expect the cleanup to take several hours,” said TxDOT spokesman Bob Colwell. “We ask for the public’s patience and cooperation as we work to clear the debris and restore traffic.”