Lincoln County, New Mexico — A severe thunderstorm is moving through southeastern New Mexico, prompting the National Weather Service in Albuquerque to issue a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of Lincoln and Chaves counties until 4:45 PM Mountain time.

What is happening:

At 4:00 PM, radar showed a severe thunderstorm about six miles east of Tinnie — roughly 30 miles east of Ruidoso — moving northeast at 25 miles per hour. The warning covers southeastern Lincoln County in central New Mexico and central Chaves County in southeastern New Mexico.

Locations in the storm's path include Arabela, Tinnie, and Sunset.

Local impacts:

The storm is packing 60-mile-per-hour wind gusts and quarter-size hail — stones about an inch across. The Weather Service says hail damage to vehicles is expected, and the winds can damage roofs, siding, and trees. Torrential rainfall with this storm can also trigger flash flooding.

What to do:

- Get inside a well-built structure and stay away from windows until the storm passes.

- If you are driving, pull off the road and park in a safe spot away from trees.

- Do not drive through flooded roadways — turn around and find another route.

Source: National Weather Service, Albuquerque NM. Issued September 25, 2026. Reported by TNW News.