Roswell, N.M. – A tornado watch is in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday for six eastern New Mexico counties, where severe storms could quickly turn dangerous.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, the watch includes Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, and Roosevelt counties. Residents in these areas should prepare for the possibility of large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes this evening.
Communities such as Roswell, Carlsbad, Clovis, and Portales are within the watch zone. Emergency managers urge residents to have shelter plans in place, charge mobile devices, and stay tuned to local alerts. Mobile homes, open fields, and rural areas are especially vulnerable in fast-moving severe weather systems like this one.
This region hasn’t seen a widespread tornado threat since last spring, but moisture from the Gulf and strong upper-level winds are fueling instability today. Drivers along U.S. Highways 70, 82, and 285 should use caution if storms develop rapidly.
The tornado watch remains active through 10 p.m., and more warnings could follow as storms evolve. Stay alert for updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency officials.
