ABC-7 First Alert: Special Weather Statement for Chaparral until 4:30 PM, 50 MPH wind gusts and nickel-sized hail possible

The National Weather Service in El Paso/Santa Teresa has issued a Special Weather Statement for a strong thunderstorm near Chaparral until 4:30 PM. Main possible hazards are wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel size hail.

At 354 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 4 miles north of Chaparral, moving south at 15 mph. Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. This includes Interstate 10 in New Mexico near mile marker 161.

Likewise, heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!