Severe Thunderstrom?

Question

Okay, so they said today in Albuquerque "A few storms may be severe" and there is a 40% chance of that, and Im afraid of regular thunderstroms so what should I do, please tell me. And also, with the sandia montains, how likley is it that a tornado will form?, we live about 5 miles west of the montains.

Answer 1

Tornadoes can form on any terrain, including mountains and hills though they are most common on flat areas. Your part of New Mexico is not known for having many tornadoes although there have been a few over the years.

I looked over the forecast models and it does appear likely that some thunderstorms will form around Albuquerque. However, I believe that the bulk of the activity should be east of the city. The city may experience a thunderstorm or two, but it will not be terribly bad. There is a very small chance of a tornado or two today, but any that do form will be very weak. The activity should begin no earlier than 1 PM MDT. The most you should see is some lightning and small hail along with gusty winds, nothing that to be worried about.

Answer 2

A tornado in Albuquerque is unlikely. The Albuquerque area has had about 7 tornadoes in the past 58 years and none have occurred since 1963. So that limits the possibility of a tornado. The most the National Weather Service is predicting is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms and a 20% chance tonight and any storm that does develop will be capable of producing brief heavy rain, pea size hail, occasional cloud to ground lightning and wind gusts to 80km/h (50mph). I wouldn't expect a tornado today. There's still a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms everyday through Monday. Stay up to date with forecast by going to this link:

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/abq/

Answer 3

grow up!!! or stand on top of your house with a medal rod sticking up in the air...

Answer 4

The tornado probability is extremely low (though not zero).  Technically, a severe thunderstorm is a storm that produces wind gusts of at least 58 mph, or hail at least 3/4 inch in diameter.  The greater likelihood for any severe storms looks like it would be east of Albuquerque, on the other side of the mountains, over the eastern plains of New Mexico.  Thus don't worry too much, just keep aware of conditions.