Weather
Arizona-New Mexico Tornado Watch Today Oct 22: 13 Counties at Risk Through 8PM
Phoenix, AZ – A tornado watch is in effect across portions of Arizona and New Mexico Thursday, Oct. 22, placing 13 counties under a severe weather alert through 8 p.m. Mountain Standard Time as potent
By Marcus Hale · 2026-10-22T17:27:41.545Z
Phoenix, AZ – A tornado watch is in effect across portions of Arizona and New Mexico Thursday, Oct. 22, placing 13 counties under a severe weather alert through 8 p.m. Mountain Standard Time as potentially dangerous thunderstorms threaten the region.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, Tornado Watch 693 was issued at 10:10 a.m. MST Thursday and remains in effect until 8 p.m. MST.
The watch covers seven counties in Arizona and six counties in New Mexico.
Arizona Counties Under Tornado Watch The following Arizona counties are included:
Apache Cochise Coconino Gila Graham Greenlee Navajo New Mexico Counties Under Tornado Watch The following New Mexico counties are included:
Catron Cibola Grant Hidalgo McKinley San Juan What Residents Should Know A tornado watch means atmospheric conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms to develop. It does not mean a tornado has been confirmed or that every community within the watch area will experience severe weather.
Residents across the affected counties should closely monitor changing weather conditions Thursday afternoon and evening.
Severe thunderstorms can develop quickly, potentially bringing damaging winds, hail and tornadoes.
People traveling through northern and southeastern Arizona or western New Mexico should remain alert for changing conditions, particularly along exposed highways and rural routes.
Safety Precautions Through Tonight The National Weather Service recommends identifying a sturdy indoor shelter before storms approach.
If a tornado warning is issued, residents should move immediately to a basement or small interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
Mobile homes and vehicles do not provide adequate protection during a tornado.
Residents can monitor official alerts through weather.gov and the Storm Prediction Center .
The tornado watch is scheduled to expire at 8 p.m. MST Thursday, unless canceled or extended.