Northwest steering flow aloft over New Mexico combined with deep moisture and strong instability resulted in a significant severe weather event over the eastern plains. The first cluster of showers and thunderstorms developed over Colfax County by mid afternoon then moved southeast toward Union County.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS ABQ wrote it up.
Northwest steering flow aloft over New Mexico combined with deep moisture and strong instability resulted in a significant severe weather event over the eastern plains. The first cluster of showers and thunderstorms developed over Colfax County by mid afternoon then moved southeast toward Union County. Thunderstorms with penny to nickel size hail around the Raton area moved east and produced severe hail and high winds from near Mount Dora to Sedan. A second cluster of showers and thunderstorms then developed around Guadalupe County during the evening hours and pushed southeast into the Pecos Valley and Caprock region. Several of these storms produced high-end severe weather with wind gusts up to 85 mph and major damage around the Melrose Bombing Range. Baseball size hail with more wind damage was also reported around Floyd.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Albuquerque, NM wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jun 30, 2:18 PM MST, 1 hour 1 minute earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 318 PM MDT Fri Jun 30 2017 .SYNOPSIS... A back door cold front will continue to spread cooler air, more humid air and heightened thunderstorm chances along and east of the central mountain chain through tonight. Strong to a few severe storms are expected across the high plains of northeast and east central New Mexico into the evening. Easterly gap winds will develop along the Rio Grande Valley this evening into Saturday morning as the cooler air mass builds westward. With a fresh inject of moisture, thunderstorm chances will favor areas between the Continental Divide and the central mountain chain Saturday, with continued storm activity in the east. Drier air will then spread back eastward and into western areas for Sunday limiting storm activity to areas along and east of the central mountain chain through Monday. A potentially more active thunderstorm pattern could set up for central and western New Mexico mid to late next week as the Four Corners high builds and centers just north of the state. && .DISCUSSION... Cooler air mass gradually building westward along/toward the east slopes of the central mountain chain. East-west MSLP gradient will continue to strengthen through late afternoon/early evening before acute onset of easterly gaps winds along the Rio Grande Valley just before sunset. Instability axis along/just north of the frontal boundary from south of Roswell to vicinity of the Caprock where uncapped surface-based CAPE in the 2000-3000 J/kg range. Farther north, across northeast portions of the state, where 0-6km bulk shear values 45-50 kts beneath enhanced mid- level westerlies, on-going severe storms should gradually increase in coverage. Possible MCC development toward early evening but would like to see more of northwesterly component to mid- level flow to support sustained upscale organization. Went ahead and expanded chance PoP a bit farther south into the southeast plains. Westerly flow to gradually relax as the day progresses Saturday in response to gradually rising 500mb heights. Tomorrow's convective forecast will be largely if not entirely depend on how far west quality low level moisture reaches. Past experience/pattern recognition would favor areas east of the Divide to east slopes of the central mountain chain for initial midday development. Weaker steering winds should delay or perhaps limit the eastward extent of convection across the far eastern plains Saturday afternoon or evening. However, potential for at least isolated strong to severe storms given favorable directional vertical wind shear and would not completely rule out that potential along the east slopes of the Jemez Mountains and central valley corridor. Influence of drier westerlies returns to western NM on Sunday and quality of low level moisture will be significantly degraded west of the central mountain chain. If we do manage a few storms the will tend to drier side with dry lightning a concern. Beyond Sunday, the Four Corners high steadily strengthens and shifts north during the Independence Day holiday period and especially during the Wed/Thu period with a 598-599 dam high centered just north of the state. NE/E to SW/W steering flow for mid to late week will likely prove quite promising for storm coverage between the Divide and east slopes of the central mountain chain with the Rio Grande valley and WC/SW valleys often among the most favored areas in these patterns, while the far east will be least favored given steering flow considerations. Will anxiously watch potential for deeper sub- tropical moisture to spread into southern areas. KJ && .FIRE WEATHER... A back door cold front has invaded eastern NM, bringing temperatures back toward and even below normal values for late June. The front has also recharged the moisture with higher dewpoints and consequently higher RH. The front is also triggering thunderstorms along and just east of the northern and central mountains of NM, a trend that should continue into the evening with some strong to severe storms producing localized but hefty downpours. A stark boundary is hovering just near the central mountain chain, separating the hotter, drier airmass to the west where widespread 5 to 10 percent humidity is being observed. Into the evening the front should gain a second push, allowing gusty winds to spill into the Rio Grande valley with higher moisture accompanying. Excellent RH recovery should make a run to the Continental Divide overnight as the higher dewpoints advance westward. High pressure aloft will stay over Chihuahua on Saturday, and the surface winds will quickly veer southerly over the plains of NM through the afternoon with moisture standing its ground over the plains, but eroding some between the Continental Divide and the Rio Grande. Isolated to scattered storms will be possible along and east of the Continental Divide and will likely come easier over and east of the central mountain chain Saturday afternoon. Outside of any thunderstorm outflows, prevailing wind speeds will be light to moderate. Areas west of the Divide will suffer through the dryness again. Despite the moisture in the central to eastern zones, high Haines indices of 5 to 6 will be in place. Through Sunday high pressure aloft will slowly be drawn closer to the Chihuahua border with NM. Westerly flow looks as though it will win out, wrapping around the northern periphery of the high, and while speeds are expected to be light to moderate, the dewpoints should begin to fall some in central NM. This will shift any thunderstorm activity to more of a drier variety in western and portions of central NM. Isolated to scattered storms will still be the rule for areas along and east of the central mountain chain where moisture will attempt to stay better rooted. Temperatures in the east will rebound back toward seasonal averages, and this will reduce RH to near 15 to 20 percent. Into next week high pressure will gradually build over the Rockies with strengthening pressure heights. Through this time, low layer moisture will be attempting to slosh farther west into NM. With not much of a footprint into the state on Monday, it should inch westward each day, encompassing much of the east by mid week with some meager hints of subtropical moisture possibly even arriving over the southwestern mountains. 52 && .AVIATION... 18Z TAF CYCLE A cold front has backed into eastern New Mexico, and will more-or- less stall near the Rio Grande valley through the afternoon. The front has ushered in moisture and will push upslope over the eastern slopes/faces of the central mountain chain of the state, yielding showers and thunderstorms through the afternoon and into the early evening. Some storms could turn strong to severe with heavy downpours, large hail, and gusty downburst winds, primarily in northeastern New Mexico. Storms will diminish into the evening, but low clouds will potentially bring ceilings to MVFR/IFR category, mostly along and east of the central mountain chain through Saturday morning. The front will also make a second push westward tonight, creating gusty winds in central valleys. An Aviation Weather Warning might be warranted for KABQ where gusts could reach 35 kt. 52 && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Farmington...................... 55 94 59 93 / 0 5 5 10 Dulce........................... 45 84 47 86 / 0 20 20 10 Cuba............................ 53 84 54 86 / 5 30 20 10 Gallup.......................... 50 92 52 90 / 0 5 5 10 El Morro........................ 47 87 49 84 / 0 20 10 20 Grants.......................... 51 89 53 88 / 5 20 10 20 Quemado......................... 57 89 60 86 / 0 10 5 20 Glenwood........................ 63 98 61 96 / 0 5 5 10 Chama........................... 43 79 44 79 / 5 30 30 20 Los Alamos...................... 59 79 59 83 / 10 30 30 30 Pecos........................... 53 79 53 84 / 50 40 40 20 Cerro/Questa.................... 47 77 51 79 / 20 40 30 20 Red River....................... 40 70 42 73 / 40 50 50 20 Angel Fire...................... 40 73 40 76 / 50 40 40 20 Taos............................ 49 82 49 85 / 20 30 30 20 Mora............................ 51 74 52 82 / 60 60 50 30 Espanola........................ 60 86 60 90 / 10 30 30 20 Santa Fe........................ 59 80 59 84 / 20 40 30 20 Santa Fe Airport................ 58 85 57 89 / 10 20 20 20 Albuquerque Foothills........... 63 91 64 94 / 10 20 20 20 Albuquerque Heights............. 65 91 65 94 / 5 20 20 20 Albuquerque Valley.............. 62 92 61 96 / 5 20 20 20 Albuquerque West Mesa........... 63 93 63 95 / 5 20 20 20 Los Lunas....................... 60 94 59 97 / 5 20 20 20 Rio Rancho...................... 64 91 64 93 / 10 20 20 20 Socorro......................... 63 95 65 96 / 5 20 20 30 Sandia Park/Cedar Crest......... 54 86 54 88 / 10 30 30 20 Tijeras......................... 55 88 55 90 / 10 30 30 20 Moriarty/Estancia............... 53 83 52 88 / 20 30 30 20 Clines Corners.................. 54 80 53 86 / 30 30 30 20 Gran Quivira.................... 57 88 58 89 / 10 30 30 30 Carrizozo....................... 61 91 61 92 / 10 20 20 30 Ruidoso......................... 54 83 54 85 / 20 30 40 30 Capulin......................... 50 76 54 85 / 60 20 40 30 Raton........................... 50 81 51 89 / 60 30 30 20 Springer........................ 51 82 52 90 / 70 20 30 20 Las Vegas....................... 52 77 52 86 / 70 30 40 20 Clayton......................... 55 81 58 92 / 30 10 40 30 Roy............................. 55 78 57 89 / 60 20 30 20 Conchas......................... 62 85 64 96 / 40 20 40 20 Santa Rosa...................... 60 86 60 95 / 40 20 40 20 Tucumcari....................... 61 89 63 99 / 40 20 40 20 Clovis.......................... 62 87 63 95 / 30 20 40 20 Portales........................ 65 88 66 95 / 30 20 40 20 Fort Sumner..................... 63 87 64 95 / 30 20 40 50 Roswell......................... 67 94 67 99 / 20 20 40 30 Picacho......................... 62 87 61 91 / 20 20 30 40 Elk............................. 59 83 59 87 / 20 30 50 40 && .ABQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None. && 41
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 449 AM MDT Fri Jun 30 2017 NMZ501>540-011100- Northwest Plateau-Chuska Mountains-Far Northwest Highlands- Northwest Highlands-West Central Plateau-West Central Mountains- West Central Highlands-Southwest Mountains- San Francisco River Valley-San Juan Mountains-Jemez Mountains- West Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains- Northern Sangre de Cristos above 9500 feet/Red River- Southern Sangre de Cristos above 9500 feet- East Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains-Upper Rio Grande Valley- Lower Chama River Valley-Santa Fe Metro Area- Middle Rio Grande Valley/Albuquerque Metro Area- Lower Rio Grande Valley-Sandia/Manzano Mountains-Estancia Valley- Central Highlands-South Central Highlands-Upper Tularosa Valley- South Central Mountains-Raton Ridge/Johnson Mesa- Far Northeast Highlands-Northeast Highlands-Union County- Harding County-Eastern San Miguel County-Guadalupe County- Quay County-Curry County-Roosevelt County-De Baca County- Chaves County Plains-Eastern Lincoln County-Southwest Chaves County- 449 AM MDT Fri Jun 30 2017 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of north and central New Mexico. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms across the northeast third to half of New Mexico mid afternoon through the evening. Large hail, strong wind and a slight chance of tornadoes exist. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms across east central New Mexico Saturday afternoon and evening. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be required across northeast New Mexico today due to severe weather. 50
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 317 PM MDT FRI JUN 30 2017 NMZ528-302145- Far Northeast Highlands- 317 PM MDT FRI JUN 30 2017 ...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHEASTERN MORA AND SOUTH CENTRAL COLFAX COUNTIES UNTIL 345 PM MDT... At 317 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 11 miles north of Wagon Mound, moving southeast at 15 mph. Nickel size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this storm. This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of northeastern Mora and south central Colfax Counties. This includes Interstate 25 between Mile Markers 394 and 405. Frequent dangerous cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. && LAT...LON 3615 10479 3626 10475 3627 10443 3601 10456 TIME...MOT...LOC 2117Z 304DEG 13KT 3616 10469 RJH
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
404 PM MDT FRI JUN 30 2017
NMZ527-530-302245-
Union County-Raton Ridge/Johnson Mesa-
404 PM MDT FRI JUN 30 2017
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR WEST CENTRAL UNION AND EAST
CENTRAL COLFAX COUNTIES UNTIL 445 PM MDT...
At 404 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 12
miles south of Capulin, or 15 miles southwest of Des Moines, moving
east at 25 mph.
Nickel size hail and wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph will be possible with
this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Grenville.
Accumulations of small hail on roads can create very slick and
hazardous driving conditions.
To report severe weather, contact the National Weather Service office
in Albuquerque at 1.888.386.7637.
&&
LAT...LON 3667 10356 3632 10361 3646 10401 3649 10401
3647 10403 3666 10402
TIME...MOT...LOC 2204Z 290DEG 22KT 3657 10397
ShoemakeThe Pueblo radar (KPUX), 189 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:20 UTC.
14 hail, 10 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Nickel hail along Interstate 25. Motorists needed to pull off roadway.
Penny size hail at Vermejo Park.
Hail up to the size of golf balls knocked out windows of several cars and homes near the Sofia Community.
Hail up to the size of quarters covering highway 412 up to three inches deep.
Thunderstorm outflow.
Thunderstorm outflow.
Hail up to the size of nickels with heavy rain.
Hail up to the size of nickels.
Hail up to the size of golf balls. Windows were broken out of a nearby neighbor's home.
Wind gust near 70 mph with dime size hail.
Thunderstorm outflow winds near 60 mph blew a metal carport over into a nearby street.
Several roadways signs along U.S. Highway 60 between Tolar and Taiban were blown away due to severe winds.
Melrose Range.
The Melrose Range RAWS site reported winds as high as 85 mph. Major damage occurred at the Melrose Bombing Range.
Local weather station several miles west-northwest of Floyd reported a peak wind gust to 67 mph.
Hail up to the size of baseballs. Damage sustained to crops, homes, and vehicles.
Peak wind gust to 59 mph at Buck Springs.
A large storage trailer with agricultural goods was blown over and contents destroyed. Several farmers in the area experienced total crop loss from large hail and high winds. Damage was also reported to many homes. One home saw hail punctured through the roof and damaged the interior of the residence.
Hail at least the size of nickels. The combination of hail and wind gusts up to 55 mph produced some damage to outbuildings southwest of Portales.
Hail up to the size of ping pong balls.
Hail up to the size of golf balls with high winds produced major damage between Portales and Dora. A barn was blown over and a large farming irrigation sprinkler was overturned. One farmer lost a 4200 acre cotton crop. Winds were estimated to be at least 65 mph.
Hail up to the size of hen eggs produced severe damage to a home northeast of Dora. Windows, skylights, satellite dishes, and siding were destroyed.
Hail up to the size of baseballs produced severe damage to the area around Causey. Several homes saw windows smashed out with extension damage to exteriors. Numerous vehicles were also severely damaged.
Hail up to the size of golf balls produced damage to the roof and windows of a home near Lingo.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in New Mexico in 2017Every state in 2017This day in weather historyWarnings in New Mexico, June 2017
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 700889, 700890, 700891, 700892, 700893, 700894, 700895, 700913, 700915, 701019, 701022, 701029, 701032, 701033, 701046, 701044, 701248, 701041, 701026, 701254, 701263, 701258, 701257, 701260.