Three Rivers, NM — The National Weather Service in El Paso has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northwestern Otero County in south central New Mexico, in effect until 7:00 PM MDT.

WHAT IS HAPPENING:

At 6:34 PM MDT, radar showed a severe thunderstorm near Three Rivers, tracking north at 25 miles per hour. The storm is moving toward Three Rivers and the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, and along Highway 54 between mile markers 89 and 100. This is a separate storm cell from the earlier Otero County warnings this evening.

LOCAL IMPACTS:

The storm is producing 70 mile-per-hour wind gusts and penny-size hail. The Weather Service rates the damage threat as CONSIDERABLE — expect considerable tree damage, with damage likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

WHAT TO DO:

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

- Stay away from windows and exterior doors until the storm passes.

- If you are driving on Highway 54 near Three Rivers, pull off and wait out the storm; do not stop under an overpass.

Source: National Weather Service, El Paso, October 23.