|Awareness Week||Local SKYWARN||NM Hazards||Weather Safety||Thunderstorms||Tornadoes||Lightning||Storm Report|
A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air that is touching the ground. Tornado
|Awareness Week||Local SKYWARN||NM Hazards||Weather Safety||Thunderstorms||Tornadoes||Lightning||Storm Report|
A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air that is touching the ground. Tornado wind speeds vary from 40 miles an hour for the weakest up to 300 miles an hour or greater for the most violent. Tornadoes are most common in eastern New Mexico in the spring, but they can occur anywhere. There have been tornado deaths in western areas of the state and near mountain communities. Here's some facts on tornadoes (and hail) in New Mexico.
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma issues a TORNADO WATCH to give you advance notice that tornadoes are possible in your area. This gives you time to make preliminary plans for moving to a safe location if a tornado warning is issued.
A TORNADO WARNING is an urgent announcement that a tornado has been reported or is imminent and warns you to take cover immediately. The following are instructions on what to do when a tornado warning has been issued for your area or whenever a tornado threatens:
IN HOMES OR SMALL BUILDINGS:
IN MOBILE HOMES, AUTOMOBILES, OR RVs:
IN SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, FACTORIES, OR SHOPPING CENTERS:
IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS: