Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Tornado watch in effect for Curry, Roosevelt and Quay counties until 10 p.m.
A tornado warning is in effect until 6:30 p.m. in southeastern Curry County, according to the National Weather Service.
According to the NWS, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located at 5:13 p.m. near St. Vrain with the possibility of hail up to two inches in diameter.
At 5:55 p.m., a tornado was confirmed 9 miles northeast of Ranchvale, or 11 miles north of Clovis, heading northeast at 30 mph.
Locations impacted would be Clovis, St. Vrain, Cannon Air Force Base, Ranchvale and Portair.
A tornado warning was issued for the Floyd community, as well. NWS Meteorologist Brent Wachter said radar indicated rotation in the storm that also is carrying large hail and strong winds.
The storm at 5 p.m. was moving to the northeast into Curry County, Wachter said.
Eastern New Mexico's emergency warning system sent out a text message about a tornado in the vicinity at 4:45 p.m., but an all-clear was issued about 35 minutes later.
The NWS previously issued a tornado watch for Curry, Quay and Roosevelt counties until 10 p.m.
NWS also warns on its website: "Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected today in portions of
northwestern, central, and eastern New Mexico.
"In northwestern New Mexico, damaging wind gusts are expected to be the primary threat,
while central and eastern areas of the state will also have the potential for heavy downpours and large hail. A couple of isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out in central to eastern New Mexico."
