Clovis, N.M. – Severe storms are expected to sweep across eastern New Mexico Friday afternoon, bringing large hail, damaging wind gusts, and the potential for isolated tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, storms will begin developing around 1 p.m. MDT and continue through 10 p.m., with the highest risk along the eastern plains. The agency has placed much of the area, including Clovis, Tucumcari, and Portales, under a “slight risk” for severe weather. The strongest activity is likely to occur along the Texas border.
While confidence is lower for Saturday, another round of thunderstorms could develop between 2 and 10 p.m., with northeastern New Mexico—including Clayton and Roy—facing the greatest chance for severe conditions.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel during storms, and ensure mobile devices are charged in case of power outages. Hail up to 2 inches and wind gusts over 60 mph are possible Friday.
This round of storms comes ahead of a wetter pattern next week, with more widespread rainfall forecast across the state. Updates and potential advisories will continue into the weekend.
