A potent upper level storm system approaching New Mexico from the west interacted with deep moisture and very unstable conditions along a sharp dryline over eastern New Mexico on May 26, 2019. Dry showers and thunderstorms with strong downburst winds first developed along the Continental Divide by late morning before marching east into the Rio Grande Valley through the afternoon.
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.
A potent upper level storm system approaching New Mexico from the west interacted with deep moisture and very unstable conditions along a sharp dryline over eastern New Mexico on May 26, 2019. Dry showers and thunderstorms with strong downburst winds first developed along the Continental Divide by late morning before marching east into the Rio Grande Valley through the afternoon. Several locations within the Rio Grande Valley reported wind gusts in excess of 60 mph, including Los Lunas, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos. Wind damage was also reported as this activity moved across the central mountain chain into the Estancia Valley. Meanwhile, showers and thunderstorms fired up along the dryline in eastern New Mexico then quickly became severe with large hail, high winds, and several tornados. A violent supercell thunderstorm that moved through Union County during the late afternoon produced at least two tornadoes and three inch hail. Severe thunderstorms then evolved into a quasi-linear convective system over the Caprock region and resulted in a large area of high winds and large hail. Several more tornadoes developed along the southern edge of this line, including a spectacular wedge tornado near Dora. In addition to all the severe thunderstorms that impacted the region, many areas outside of thunderstorm activity in central and western New Mexico also reported strong southwest winds with gusts of 50 to 60 mph.
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 May 26, 10:20 AM MST, 1 hour 45 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion...UPDATED National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 1120 AM MDT Sun May 26 2019 .AVIATION... 18Z TAF CYCLE Swly winds are beginning to increase across the forecast area a mid- level trough spins up from the Baja around the periphery of a parent upper low digging down the CA coastline. Wind gusts will peak 25-40kts today across much of the western two-thirds of New Mexico. A few isold dry TS will likely produce locally erratic gusts 40-50kts as well this afternoon, with the focus area being along the continental divide through the middle RGV into the southern Sangres. AWW criteria will likely persist at KABQ from 20Z-02Z. Winds will begin to taper off after 02Z. Meanwhile, the dry line is stalled along the Pecos River Valley from KROW-KSXU-KCAO beginning to be pushed back east. Afternoon tstm activity will develop along this line before quickly moving ne toward the TX line. Mid-higher level bkn- ovc cigs looks to stall the start of convection to 1-3pm, a bit later than what was observed Saturday, however storms will still be strong to severe producing frequent lightning, large hail, and strong downburst winds. 24/RJH && .PREV DISCUSSION...322 AM MDT Sun May 26 2019... .SYNOPSIS... Another active weather day is expected across northern and central New Mexico. Across the eastern plains, expect a risk for strong to severe storms, particularly during the afternoon and early evening hours. Meanwhile, strong winds will be a concern across western and central New Mexico. These winds in conjunction with low humidities will produce a period of critical fire weather conditions along and south of Interstate 40 from Cibola to Torrance counties. Strong to potentially damaging winds are expected on Monday, mainly along and immediately east of the central mountain chain. Precipitation will primarily be focused across the northwest during this time. Expect temperatures to be 10 to 20 degree below normal across the west. A quick moving disturbance will traverse the region on Wednesday, and this will keep a few showers in the forecast over the high terrain. The storm track will allow for unsettled weather across eastern New Mexico for the latter portion of the work week. && .DISCUSSION... Longwave trough remains anchored in the western U.S. and this will be the driving factor in the active weather through the early week. Dry line is currently positioned across the eastern plains and this will be the focus for strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon. By late morning and early afternoon, instability will be maximized with HREF mean surface-based CAPE ranging from 2000-2500 J/kg. Some of the members suggest the potential for 3000+ J/kg near the border. Meanwhile, a closed upper low off the Oregon coast will continue to dive south and be positioned over central CA by afternoon. This will bring falling 500hPa heights and divergence aloft over New Mexico. A shortwave preceding the upper low will move southwest-northeast thru the state, which will aid in the convective development today. Bulk shear will be supportive of organized storms; however, the mean flow will be nearly parallel to the initiating boundary. This may suggest more broken lines or linear type storms are favored, not unlike the activity seen on Sat. Primary risks will be large hail and damaging winds. An isolated tornado or two cannot be ruled out, but the best conditions likely favors areas east of the NM border after the LLJ cranks up. A breezy to windy day is expected in the southwest/south central parts of the CWFA as well as along and east of the Sangres. Latest NAM12 offers 40kt speeds at 700hPa, and some of this momentum will likely transfer to the surface. Will hoist a Wind Advisory for the favored areas. A few convectively-aided strong winds are likely due to the inverted-V soundings in central NM. With DCAPE stretching from 850-1500 J/kg, there is sufficient concern for strong downdrafts and outflow winds. For the Memorial Day holiday, the closed upper low will weaken a bit and migrate across the Four Corners region. Heights will continue to fall and temperatures will drop 10 to 20 degrees below normal in the west behind a Pacific front. Meanwhile, a strong 70-knot 500hPa jet will migrate from west-east across the state. This will likely favor the strongest winds of the weekend, especially along and east of the central mtns. While the degree of confidence for strong to damaging winds is notably higher for Monday, opted to defer issuance to limit potential confusion given the plethora of hazards on Day 1. Quieter weather is expected for Tuesday although cyclonic flow will remain in place. A few showers cannot be ruled out over the higher terrain. A shortwave trough will migrate across the state for Wed as a backdoor cold front slides southward through the eastern plains. A few showers/storms are possible, but it appears the best ingredients for more organized activity should be southeast of the CWFA. Return flow is projected for Thursday and Friday across the eastern plains, allowing for storms to re-emerge in the forecast. High temperatures will warm during this period; however, will likely remain near/below average for most areas. DPorter && .FIRE WEATHER... Dry conditions today through Memorial Day over western and central NM will combine with gusty south to southwest winds, near to below normal temperatures, and moderate to high Haines. In addition, mid- level moisture seeping northward and over NM in advance of an upper level low pressure system, along with afternoon heating, will likely result in some dry showers or isolated short-lived dry storms late this afternoon between the Continental Divide and central mountain chain with gusty, variable winds. Therefore the Fire Weather Watch has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning. Low level moisture has returned to eastern NM early this morning, and will result in isolated to scattered convection this afternoon and evening between the Pecos Valley and the Texas border. Some of the storms could be strong to severe, with large hail and damaging wind gusts. This moisture will be pushed out of NM on Monday, as the upper low swings through the Four Corners and through CO. Strong southwest winds are expected to return on Memorial Day, then diminish somewhat but persist through the evening and overnight, especially along and east of the central mountain chain. However, temperatures will be on a cooling trend and Haines will be low to moderate, despite minimum humidities Monday afternoon ranging from about 8 to 15 percent. Considerably cooler than normal temperatures Tuesday through Thursday undergo a warming trend to near normal late in the week. Breezy to windy conditions persist over the east Tuesday, then a back door front impacts the region Wednesday, along with a weak upper trough, which brings isolated to scattered showers and storms to the northern mountains Wednesday through Thursday. Late in the week, dryline activity resumes over the eastern plains. 99 && .ABQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Wind Advisory until 8 PM MDT this evening for the following zones... NMZ505>508-516-518>529-532-533-537>540. Red Flag Warning until 8 PM MDT this evening for the following zones... NMZ106-107-109. &&
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 351 AM MDT Sun May 26 2019 NMZ501>540-271100- 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- 351 AM MDT Sun May 26 2019 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of north and central New Mexico. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight There is an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms for the eastern plains of New Mexico this afternoon into the early evening hours. The primary hazards will be large hail and damaging winds; however, a tornado or two cannot be ruled out. Meanwhile, virga showers and downburst winds are possible across central New Mexico during the afternoon hours. Widespread strong winds will impact areas along and south of the Interstate 40 corridor in western and central New Mexico and lee of the central mountain chain. Peak wind gusts up to 50 mph will result in hazardous cross winds. Low relative humidities will combine with the winds to create critical fire weather conditions for areas along and south of southern McKinley to Torrance counties. Any fires that develop will have the ability to spread rapidly. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday Strong to damaging winds are forecast for the northeast and central highlands in eastern New Mexico on Monday afternoon. This will also create dangerous cross winds along the Interstate 40 corridor from Clines Corners to Santa Rosa. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be required from 12pm to 9pm MDT for areas along and east of Colfax to Chaves Counties in eastern New Mexico due to the potential for severe thunderstorms. 46
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
1149 AM MDT Sun May 26 2019
NMZ530-261815-
Union County-
1149 AM MDT Sun May 26 2019
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHEASTERN UNION COUNTY UNTIL
1215 PM MDT...
At 1149 AM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 9
miles north of Seneca, or 22 miles north of Clayton, moving northeast
at 50 mph.
Nickel size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Moses.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor your preferred
media outlets and NOAA Weather Radio for additional information and
possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3674 10300 3665 10313 3677 10329 3700 10305
3700 10301
TIME...MOT...LOC 1749Z 224DEG 45KT 3677 10315
40The Holloman AFB radar (KHDX), 78 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:08 UTC.
16 thunderstorm wind, 11 hail, 6 high wind, 6 tornado, 2 funnel cloud. Local standard time, as filed.
A thunderstorm moving quickly northeast through White Sands Missile Range produced an outflow wind gust up to 60 mph.
Various sites within the White Sands Missile Range reported wind gusts between 58 mph and 69 mph. Virga activity in the area resulted in enhanced wind gusts throughout the afternoon.
A thunderstorm moving quickly northeast across the area west of Oscuro produced outflow wind gusts up to 74 mph.
Outflow winds from a thunderstorm moving across the southwest mesa produced a wind gust up to 58 mph at the Cerro Colorado Landfill.
Thunderstorm outflow wind gusts up to 60 mph were reported in Los Lunas.
The Sierra Blanca airport reported peak outflow winds up to 60 mph.
Penny size hail reported near Capulin.
The Albuquerque Sunport reported a thunderstorm outflow wind gust up to 62 mph.
Thunderstorm winds downed a large tree branch on Silver and 12th in downtown Albuquerque.
Nickel size hail reported near Folsom.
The Santa Fe airport reported a peak wind gust up to 59 mph as virga activity moved through the area.
Clines Corners reported peak wind gusts up to 79 mph as virga activity moved through the area.
Thunderstorm downburst winds destroyed a barn in McIntosh. Damage amounts are a rough estimate.
The Taos airport reported a peak wind gust up to 62 mph as virga activity moved through the area.
The Las Vegas airport reported peak wind gusts up to 70 mph as virga activity passed over the area.
The Dunken RAWS reported a peak wind gust up to 60 mph as virga activity moved across the area.
Nickel size hail was reported in Mosquero.
A funnel cloud was spotted along U.S. 56 south of Mount Dora.
Minor damage was reported to residences within Fort Sumner. Sheet metal was torn off some roofs and barns. The nearby Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility reported a peak wind gust up to 66 mph.
Storm chasers reported a tornado on the ground near U.S. 56 several miles southwest of Clayton. This same tornado was spotted by the Clayton Fire Department a few miles west of town.
Ping pong ball size hail reported along U.S. 56 south of Mount Dora.
Giant hail was reported by several storm chasers as a tornadic supercell tracked northeast through the area along U.S. 56 southwest of Clayton.
A line of thunderstorms moving through eastern Guadalupe County produced wind gusts up to 69 mph.
Two large transmission lines were blown down to the north of Fort Sumner. Power outages were reported throughout De Baca County. Damage amounts are a very rough estimate due to an unknown length of wire damage.
A roof was blown off a barn south of Tucumcari along SR-278. Damage amounts are a rough estimate.
Quarter size hail reported at Clayton Lake.
A storm chaser observed a tornado to the northwest of Clayton.
Peak wind gusts up to 72 mph were reported in Tucumcari as a line of severe thunderstorms rolled through the area.
Thunderstorm wind gusts were estimated to be at least 60 mph in Melrose.
Nickel size hail reported in Melrose.
Nickel size hail reported one mile west of Clayton.
Peak wind gusts were estimated to be at least 58 mph in Logan.
A storm chaser reported a tornado on the ground moving to the east-northeast over extreme eastern Chaves County.
Penny size hail reported northwest of Pleasant Hill.
Quarter size hail reported near Wheatland.
A storm chaser observed a brief tornado touchdown ahead of an approaching supercell thunderstorm to the southwest of Pep. The tornado structure was observed as a funnel cloud with dirt swirling around as the ground rotation.
Severe outflow winds with dime size hail tossed a small metal shed into a nearby tree near Bard. Damage amounts are estimated for the metal shed.
The NWS surveyed damage from a strong tornado that impacted parts of southern Roosevelt County during the early evening of Sunday, May 26, 2019. The tornado lasted nearly 30 minutes and tracked about 10 miles over predominately rural ranch/farmland in southern Roosevelt County. No injuries were reported. Two known properties were impacted: one 4 miles southeast of Dora and another approximately 5 miles east-northeast of Dora. Additionally, considerable damage to electrical infrastructure was noted including ten consecutive power poles snapped several feet above the ground 1-2 miles east of Rogers on the north side of NM 237. Farther southwest, several high voltage power poles/structures were partially collapsed and associated lines downed 2-3 miles south-southeast of Dora. A well-built hay barn that was originally an early 20th century church was completely destroyed. A power pole was snapped 12 feet above the ground, lofted at least 10 feet and driven into the ground 100 yards away. Partial ground scouring was noted along State Road 114 where the tornado crossed near Roosevelt County Rd. M. Based on assessed damage, wind speeds were estimated to be in the 120-130 mph range. Damage estimates are estimated for residential and infrastructure.
A funnel cloud was observed near Pleasant Hill, NM around sunset.
Baseball size hail fell with a tornadic supercell thunderstorm near Dora, NM resulting in damage to cars and homes. Damage amounts are a rough estimate for several residences.
Storm chasers and broadcast media relayed another tornado touchdown from the same storm that produced damage around Dora before traveling northeast into west Texas.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in New Mexico in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for New Mexico, 2019Warnings in New Mexico, May 2019
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: 816127, 816125, 816126, 816128, 816131, 816132, 816133, 816129, 816130, 816134, 816135, 816136, 816137, 816138, 816139, 816140, 816141, 816142, 816149, 816145, 816159, 816160, 816240, 816166, 816163, 816167, 816148, 816168, 816259, 816261, 816267, 816270, 816280, 816271, 816273, 816287, 816291, 816292, 817488, 817489, and more.