ABC-7 First Alert Continues – Active Weather Pattern Brings Severe Storms and Heavy Rain to the Borderland

An active and potentially stormy weather pattern is setting up across the Borderland, with multiple rounds of thunderstorms expected through the weekend.

Severe Weather Threat Today

The greatest concern is tonight, especially near the Arizona border and across western portions of the region.

A Tornado Watch continues through the early evening hours, so residents should remain weather aware and have multiple ways to receive warnings.

Heavy rainfall will also be a concern, particularly across the Gila region and potentially into northern Hidalgo County. Training thunderstorms could produce rainfall rates capable of causing flash flooding.

More Storms Friday and Saturday

This storm system will become established over Arizona Friday and will be slow to move away. This will keep the Borderland in an unsettled pattern through the weekend. Friday's higher rain chances will shift toward the Rio Grande Valley, while eastern areas will become more favored for storms Saturday.

Strong mid-level winds combined with southeast surface winds will give us the twist or shear for severe storms. The severe threat will once again give us the slight chance for an isolated tornado.

Heavy rain will remain another concern because of above-normal moisture and the potential for storms to move over the same locations. A Flood Watch may be needed later for parts of Hudspeth and Otero counties, depending on how storms evolve.

Sunday Brings Some Uncertainty

Sunday remains the most uncertain day in the forecast. Forecast models have been trending toward a slower departure of the upper-level storm so some storm chances remain.