The National Weather Service in El Paso issued a tornado warning for central Luna County at 5:50 Monday evening after emergency management officials confirmed a tornado on the ground approximately eight miles west of Deming.
The tornado was moving east at approximately 25 miles per hour, placing Deming directly in its projected path.
At 6:02 p.m., the National Weather Service updated its warning, reporting the confirmed tornado near Deming and continuing to move east.
The tornado warning remained in effect until 6:15 p.m.
The storm also produced large hail across the area, with the National Weather Service warning of hailstones as large as golf balls.
A separate severe thunderstorm warning included the possibility of wind gusts reaching 70 miles per hour and hail large enough to damage vehicles, roofs and windows.
Deming News has received reports of widespread property damage throughout the area, particularly to residential roofs, skylights and vehicles as a result of the intense hailstorm that accompanied the tornado warning.
Residents described heavy hail pounding rooftops, striking vehicles and damaging exposed structures. Reports include shattered skylights and damage to automobiles, with the full extent of the destruction still being assessed.
Homeowners and vehicle owners who sustained damage are encouraged to contact their homeowners or automobile insurance providers as soon as practical to discuss coverage and begin the claims process. Residents should photograph and document damage before making permanent repairs, when it is safe to do so, and retain receipts for any necessary emergency repairs.
Property owners are also urged to exercise caution when inspecting damaged roofs, skylights and other structures, particularly where broken glass, loose roofing materials or other hazards may be present.
The National Weather Service warned that the tornado could produce flying debris, damage to buildings and vehicles, and downed trees.
The tornado warning was particularly unusual for the Deming area, where such warnings are uncommon.
Although emergency management confirmed a tornado on the ground, the tornado’s final path, intensity and extent of damage had not been established in the information available Monday evening.
Additional damage reports and any findings from a National Weather Service storm survey may provide a clearer picture of the event.
The severe weather serves as a reminder that dangerous thunderstorms and tornadoes can occur in southwestern New Mexico, even outside the traditional spring and summer severe weather season.
John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications, LLC – john@bravomic.com
