Special Weather Statement

FROM: NWS Albuquerque NM
AREA: Northwest Plateau
SENT: 2026-07-20T21:31:00-06:00

Special Weather Statement issued July 20 at 9:31PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM

At 931 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles east of Shiprock, moving west at 20 mph.

HAZARD…Wind gusts up to 50 mph, blowing dust, frequent lightning,
and pea size hail.

SOURCE…Radar indicated.

IMPACT…Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.

Locations impacted include…
Shiprock and Rattlesnake.

This includes Highway 64 between Mile Markers 1 and 35.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

Blowing dust associated with strong thunderstorm winds can reduce
visibility below one mile at times.

Alert Expiration: 2026-07-20T22:15:00-06:00