City of Clovis Emergency Management Makes Safety Recommendations Prior to Severe Weather This Evening

CLOVIS, NM (May 26, 2023) –  City of Clovis Emergency Management Officials are urging residents to prepare for severe weather that may occur with little to no warning this evening.

Clovis officials encourage residents to practice their emergency plan in case severe weather strikes. According to the National Weather Service, severe storms will develop this afternoon and persist into the overnight hours. The main threats will be large hail, damaging winds, and frequent lightning, as well as a risk of tornadoes. There is also a chance of flash flooding across northeastern and far eastern New Mexico, including urban areas and burn scars.

Key impacts include:

• Large hail (up to 3″ in diameter) and wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph may cause damage to utility poles, structures, and vehicles.
• Heavy downpours may create localized flash flooding in urban areas and on recent burn scars in northern NM and eastern NM.
• A probability of tornadoes with any rotating thunderstorms that are expected today. The highest chances will exist from Fort Sumner south to Roswell this afternoon into the evening hours.

“Severe thunderstorms can develop rapidly and include a variety of weather conditions such as hail, flash floods and tornadoes,” said Dan Heerding director of Emergency Management for the City of Clovis and Curry County.

“The best way to prepare for quick action is to have a family emergency plan, assemble a supplies kit and stay alert by listening to local radio and television for information on severe weather,” he added.

Heerding went on to explain the best way to prepare is to have your electronics charged, supplies (flashlights, water, etc.) in a designated area, and to have a family plan so if a severe weather event does occur, all household members know where the designated safe area is.

If you hear the outdoor warning siren, seek shelter immediately and continue to monitor news from a designated safe space.

It is recommended by Emergency Management that once the severe weather has passed to assess your home and property for damages, debris and down power lines.

“Please stay inside when the weather moves in and do not drive around once it has finished,” Heerding said. “We want the roads to be clear for emergency responders.”

The following is a list of important contacts Clovis residents can utilize:

• City of Clovis Animal Control 575-769-7893
• City of Clovis Emergency Management 575-763-9494
• Epcor 866-430-0824
• Farmers Electric 800-445-8541
• NM Gas Co 888-664-2726
• NM Road Conditions 800-432-4269
• Police Department 575-769-1921
• City of Clovis Public Works 575-769-2376
• Curry County Sheriff’s Office 575-769-2335
• Xcel Energy 800-895-4999

Download the Press Release, here.