# Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Grant and Hidalgo Counties Through 5:45 PM

Grant and Hidalgo Counties, New Mexico — A severe thunderstorm is rolling east through southwestern New Mexico this evening, and the National Weather Service says it is packing hail the size of ping pong balls and winds that can rip siding off a house.

## What is happening:

At 5:14 PM Mountain time, radar picked up a severe thunderstorm near Playas, moving east at 35 miles per hour. The warning covers southwestern New Mexico through 5:45 PM Mountain. Communities in the storm's path include Hachita, Animas, Playas, Windmill and the Hachita Valley.

## Local impacts:

The storm is capable of producing hail up to ping pong ball size and wind gusts to 60 miles per hour. The Weather Service says anyone caught outside risks injury. Roofs, siding, windows and vehicles in the storm's path can take hail and wind damage.

## What to do:

- Move inside to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

- Stay away from windows until the storm passes.

- If you are driving, pull off the road and wait it out — hail this size will damage a windshield in seconds.

Source: National Weather Service in El Paso/Santa Teresa, October 19, 2026.