National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists in Albuquerque, New Mexico, urged people to take shelter immediately when they issued a severe thunderstorm warning on Wednesday afternoon.
Why It Matters
Severe thunderstorms can develop rapidly and warnings issued by the NWS aim to alert the public of the impending danger and provide insight on the storm’s location and threats are associated with it.
What To Know
NWS Albuquerque issued the severe thunderstorm warning shortly after 3 p.m. local time Wednesday afternoon.
The warning was in place for northwestern Guadalupe County and south-central San Miguel County until 3:45 p.m. local time. Cities affected include Dilia and Anton Chico. However, shortly after the warning was issued, it was replaced by a severe weather statement. Another severe thunderstorm warning was later issued in a nearby area.
“The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property,” the statement said. “Therefore, the warning has been cancelled. However, gusty winds are still possible with this thunderstorm.”
At the time of the warning, the storm was around 6 miles southeast of Dilia, 23 miles northwest of Santa Rosa. It was moving north at 20 mph.
Strong wind gusts of up to 60 mph and quarter-size hail accompanied the storm.
“Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees,” NWS Albuquerque said in the warning. “Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from windows. This storm is capable of producing damaging winds and large hail.”
The warning also alerted motorists to the possibility of “brief but sudden changes in visibility” due to the storm. Motorists also should expect “ponding of water on roadways as storms move through the area.”
What People Are Saying
NWS meteorologist Randall Hergert, who works at the Albuquerque office, told Newsweek: “Some of these storms along the central portions of New Mexico could still become severe through the rest of this afternoon.”
NWS Albuquerque, in a post to X on Wednesday morning: “Scattered showers and storms favoring western and north central NM today and Thursday and the central mountain chain today Numerous showers and storms expected across western and central NM on Friday before shower and storm chances shift to eastern areas on Saturday.”
What Happens Next
Those in the affected areas should remain alert for potential storms, as more could develop on Thursday and Friday, meteorologists warn.
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