Severe storms trigger tornado warning, heavy rain
WINDOW ROCK
A tornado warning was issued Friday morning for parts of the Navajo Nation as severe thunderstorms swept across the region.
At 10:38 a.m., the National Weather Service sent out an emergency alert urging residents to take shelter immediately in sturdy buildings, basements, or interior rooms. Those in vehicles or mobile homes were advised to seek substantial shelter and protect themselves from flying debris.
By 10:50 a.m., the Navajo Nation Department of Emergency Management reported a funnel cloud forming above the Window Rock area. The funnel quickly dissipated without touching down, but heavy rain and thunderstorm activity continued moving through the community. Photos taken in Window Rock around the same time showed a dramatic rotating cloud formation, highlighting the intensity of the system.
The National Weather Service placed much of the Four Corners under a slight risk of severe thunderstorms Friday, warning that isolated storms could bring hail, damaging winds, and rotating supercells through the afternoon and evening across northwest New Mexico and western Colorado. A severe thunderstorm advisory noted that moderately strong upper-level winds were present, enough to support organized storm structures.
Navajo chapters in the Fort Defiance and Eastern Agency used social media Friday morning to alert their communities about the tornado warning and severe weather. Posts urged residents to remain cautious, prepare for sudden changes and follow official updates.
By midday, NDEM stated the storm system had shifted into heavy rainfall moving northward, with no ongoing tornado threat for Window Rock or nearby communities. Emergency officials continue to monitor the potential for flash flooding and localized wind gusts.
Locally, Friday’s high was forecast near 70 degrees with a 70 percent chance of storms, dropping to 53 degrees overnight. Scattered showers and thunderstorms were expected through the evening before tapering off late. On Saturday, partly cloudy skies were forecast across much of the Nation, with light morning showers lingering in higher elevations and temperatures dipping into the 40s. By Sunday, conditions are expected to clear, bringing sunny and dry weather.
The National Weather Service reminded residents that during severe thunderstorms it is safest to remain indoors or in a fully enclosed vehicle until at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike within 10 miles. Outdoors, people should avoid water, high ground, open spaces, and metal objects. Indoors, residents are advised to stay away from windows, avoid using water, and unplug appliances to reduce the risk of electrical shocks from lightning.
No tornadoes have touched down on the Navajo Nation, officials said. Emergency managers will continue to issue updates as conditions evolve.
Get instant access to this story by purchasing one of our many e-edition subscriptions HERE at our Navajo Times Store.
Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow