Remote Surveillance Trailer in Portales, NM

PORTALES, N.M. —

Severe weather didn't stop one Clovis couple from taking wedding photos. In fact, they used it to start their next chapter of life together. William and Daynnely Carillo were celebrating at The Barn at Tingley Crossing when they wanted photos with a New Mexico sunset behind them.

They did notice the weather getting worse, but were still hoping for the best. During reception, photographer Chesnea Clemmons told Daynnely they should start taking pictures just in case.

"We ran outside the venue, got their pictures done, the wind was blowing crazy," Clemmons said. "As people started to fill their plates, I walked outside in front of the venue to take pictures for her, and as I rounded the corner, my phone went off, and it said 'tornado detected in your area, take shelter.'"

Clemmons said she kept looking around and said, sure enough, as she continued around the venue, there the tornado was.

"So we all were kind of deciding, do we take cover, what's happening?" Clemmons said. "As it touched down, I yelled for the couple, 'Let's get this picture taken; it's one of a kind.'"

Daynnely said her husband was in the taco line when Clemmons was calling for them.

"I was already eating, so I was like, 'Let's go, Will,'" Daynnely said. "We took a picture in front of there and all my guests were like, 'Oh we should be good, it's not that far away from us.' I was like, 'It's 15 miles away from us.'"

Daynnely and Clemmons said many of the guests were not scared of the tornado. Daynnely said she's originally from California, and for many of her guests, it was their first time witnessing a tornado.

"It was my grandmom I was worried about," Daynnely said. "I was mainly worried about her because it was her first time seeing it."

She said other than that, it wasn't really that scary.

"We have lived in Clovis for more than 15 years, so we're used to it, but I was in the middle and said, 'OK let's do it,' but then I was like, 'OK, let's go get shelter.'"

Daynnely said the storm did die down eventually. She also said many of her co-workers are now telling them to name their first child after a storm.

Severe thunderstorms swept through east central New Mexico, prompting tornado warnings near Floyd, Clovis, and Portales. The National Weather Service issued warnings for Curry, Roosevelt, Colfax, and Union counties, cautioning residents about large hail, strong wind gusts, and potential damage to property. Authorities urged people to seek shelter, avoid windows, and stay informed through weather alerts.

A large tornado was seen near Floyd, New Mexico, on Sunday, prompting warnings in Clovis and Portales. Videos shared on social media showed strong thunderstorms across the area, with storm chasers and weather forecasters urging people to stay indoors.A tornado was spotted in Clovis. One social media user warned, “Anyone in the Clovis area should take shelter if possible. There is an immediate tornado warning in Curry County and Roosevelt County.” A similar warning was issued for Portales.Residents in east central New Mexico received urgent warnings on Sunday evening as the National Weather Service (NWS) in Albuquerque issued two Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for Curry, Roosevelt, Colfax, and Union counties. They warned of large hail, 60 mph wind gusts, and possible damage to cars, roofs, and trees. The warnings were in effect until 6:30 PM and 6:00 PM MDT, respectively.At 5:49 PM MDT, the NWS reported a severe thunderstorm located 6 miles northwest of Oasis State Park and 10 miles northwest of Portales, moving northeast at 15 mph. This storm had quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and 60 mph winds and threatened Clovis, Cannon Air Force Base, Floyd, and Portair, as well as Highway 60 between mile markers 372 and 386.Radar showed that the storm could damage vehicles and cause wind-related harm to houses and trees. The NWS urged residents to take shelter in sturdy buildings and stay away from windows. KOB 4 reported that local authorities warned drivers to watch for slick roads due to hail accumulation.At the same time, a second warning was updated at 5:35 PM MDT targeted east central Colfax and west central Union counties. A thunderstorm located 10 miles north of Farley and 21 miles southwest of Des Moines was moving east at 25 mph. This storm posed a greater threat, with two-inch hail that could injure people and animals outdoors and 60 mph winds. Affected areas included rural regions and Highway 64 near mile marker 379.The NWS warned of “considerable” damage potential, stressing risks to roofs, windows, and vehicles. KRQE reported that emergency services were on the lookout for road hazards from debris and urged residents to stay indoors.Here is a list of ‘Dos and Don’ts’ to keep in mind:

Dos: Life-saving actions

Seek immediate shelterIn homes or small buildings: Go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom. Avoid windows and cover yourself with a mattress or heavy blankets.In mobile homes or vehicles: Abandon them immediately. Mobile homes offer no protection during a tornado. Seek shelter in a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a low-lying area, covering your head with your arms. Stay informed: Use a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio or a reliable weather app to receive real-time alerts. Ensure your devices are charged and have backup power sources available.Prepare an emergency kitEquip your shelter with essential supplies: Keep flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable food, water, essential medications, sturdy shoes, and protective clothing handy.Practice drills: Regularly conduct tornado drills with all household members. Familiarity with the plan ensures quicker and more efficient action during an actual event.

Don'ts: Common mistakes to avoid

Don't stay in unsafe structures: Never remain in mobile homes, vehicles, or temporary structures during a tornado. These offer minimal protection and can be easily destroyed. Don't open windows: Contrary to popular belief, opening windows does not equalize pressure and can increase the risk of injury from flying debris. Keep windows closed and secure. Don't shelter under overpasses: Seeking shelter under overpasses is dangerous. The wind tunnel effect can intensify winds, increasing the risk of injury. Don't hesitate: Tornadoes can form rapidly. If a warning is issued, do not wait for confirmation or further information. Immediate action is crucial.

Post-tornado safety

Stay indoors: Avoid returning to damaged buildings until authorities declare them safe.Avoid downed power lines: Assume all downed lines are live and stay clear.Use phones sparingly: Limit phone use to emergency calls to keep lines open for responders.Assist neighbors: Check on elderly or disabled neighbors who may need help.

End of Article

A massive tornado was spotted near Floyd, New Mexico, on Sunday amid warnings in Clovis and Portales. Visuals posted on social media showed heavy thunderstorms across the state, with storm chasers and forecasters urging locals to stay indoors.

A twister was spotted on the ground in Clovis. Alerting others, one social media user wrote: “Anyone in the Clovis area should take shelter if possible. There is an immediate tornado warning in Curry County and Roosevelt County.”

A similar situation unfolded in Portales.

Meanwhile, residents of east central New Mexico faced urgent warnings Sunday evening as the National Weather Service (NWS) in Albuquerque issued two Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for Curry, Roosevelt, Colfax, and Union counties, citing risks of large hail, 60 mph wind gusts, and potential damage to vehicles, roofs, and trees. The warnings, effective until 6:30 PM and 6:00 PM MDT, respectively.

At 5:49 PM MDT, the NWS reported a severe thunderstorm 6 miles northwest of Oasis State Park, 10 miles northwest of Portales, moving northeast at 15 mph. This storm, packing quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and 60 mph winds, threatened Clovis, Cannon Air Force Base, Floyd, and Portair, along with Highway 60 between mile markers 372 and 386.

Radar indicated potential for vehicle damage and wind-related destruction to siding and trees, prompting the NWS to urge residents to seek shelter in sturdy buildings and avoid windows. KOB 4 reported local authorities advising drivers to watch for slick roads due to hail accumulation, a hazard noted in the NWS statement

Concurrently, a second warning, updated at 5:35 PM MDT, targeted east central Colfax and west central Union counties, where a thunderstorm 10 miles north of Farley, 21 miles southwest of Des Moines, moved east at 25 mph. This storm posed a graver threat, with two-inch hail—capable of injuring people and animals outdoors—and 60 mph winds. Impacted areas included rural regions and Highway 64 near mile marker 379.

The NWS warned of “considerable” damage potential, emphasizing risks to roofs, windows, and vehicles. KRQE noted emergency services were monitoring for debris-related road hazards, urging residents to stay indoors.‽web:7