UPDATE — Friday, October 23, 2:38 PM CT: The National Weather Service in Albuquerque says the storm is now near Chama, moving northeast at 35 mph with 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail. The warning remains in effect for north central Rio Arriba County until 1:45 PM MDT.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Rio Arriba County Through 1:45 PM MDT

Rio Arriba County, NM — The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for north central Rio Arriba County in north central New Mexico, in effect until 1:45 PM MDT Friday.

What is happening: At 1:11 PM MDT, radar showed a severe thunderstorm about 7 miles southwest of Chama, moving northeast at 30 miles per hour. The warning covers Chama itself, plus Highway 64 between mile markers 151 and 167. The storm is packing 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.

Local impacts: Hail the size of quarters can dent and damage vehicles. Winds at 60 mph can peel siding and shingles, snap branches, and knock trees onto power lines. Small hail piling up on roadways can also make driving slick and hazardous.

What to do:

- Move inside a well-built structure right now and stay away from windows.

- If you are driving on Highway 64 near Chama, pull off the road safely until the storm passes — hail and sudden gusts are dangerous at speed.

- Bring pets indoors and move anything loose outside into shelter.

Source: National Weather Service Albuquerque, October 23, 2026. Reported by TNW News.