Severe Storms and Flooding Threaten New Mexico

Severe storms threatened much of New Mexico Friday, with a thunderstorm watch in effect until 9 p.m. and risks including large hail, damaging winds, heavy rain and isolated tornadoes. Separate warnings covered a storm capable of producing a tornado in Grant and Luna counties and severe thunderstorms near Albuquerque, where quarter-size hail and 60 mph gusts were possible. Forecasters warned of localized flash flooding, especially in eastern New Mexico, where some areas could receive 1–3 inches of rain or more through Sunday; saturated ground was increasing flood concerns. Residents were urged to monitor alerts, take shelter when warnings were issued, avoid floodwaters and move to higher ground if flooding threatened.