Chaves County, New Mexico tornadoes

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53confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1951). Most recent: May 6, 2025, EFU. 2026 so far: 0 preliminary reports preliminary

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Map

Every tornado path in the county

Tornado paths, 1950 to 2025
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(E)F0(E)F1(E)F2(E)F3(E)F4(E)F5Unrated

Each path is a straight line from where the tornado started to where it ended, which is all most NOAA records hold. Tap a path for its details.

The record

At a glance

Total531950 to 2025
Per year0.7average since 1950
Peak monthJune16 of 53
StrongestF2Jun 12, 1962
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries11whole paths, see note

Deaths and injuries are NOAA's totals for each tornado's whole path, which can extend beyond Chaves County.

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

160 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 1Apr: 10May: 11Jun: 16Jul: 2Aug: 3Sep: 6Oct: 3Nov: 0Dec: 1JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

June is the peak month, with 16 of 53 tornadoes.

By time of day

130 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 1: 112 PM: 1: 1: 33 PM: 7: 13: 86 PM: 9: 4: 49 PM: 0: 1: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 4:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

70 1950: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 1: 2: 1: 1: 3: 1: 1: 0: 01970: 1: 0: 2: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 2: 01990: 4: 0: 3: 0: 2: 0: 0: 1: 0: 22000: 0: 0: 1: 0: 7: 1: 1: 0: 0: 02010: 2: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 1: 0: 0: 32020: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 219501960197019801990200020102020

The line is the five-year average. Tornadoes before about 1953 were under-reported, and better radar since the 1990s finds more weak ones.

By rating

EF0
39
EF1
8
EF2
3
Unknown
3

Ratings before February 2007 use the original F scale; the numbers line up with today's EF scale. Unknown means NOAA could not assign a rating.

The record

Notable tornadoes

Strongest

F2, June 12, 1962

0.1 mile path Longest path

15.19 miles, EF2

March 12, 2019, whole path Widest

350 yards, EF2

March 12, 2019
Every tornado

All 53 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
May 6, 2025EFU1.24 mi15 yd00
Apr 26, 2025EFU0.79 mi100 yd00
Jun 26, 2024EF01.85 mi20 yd00
Jun 26, 2024EFU0.87 mi20 yd00
Jun 3, 2019EF01.38 mi50 yd00
May 26, 2019EF02.39 mi50 yd00
Mar 12, 2019EF215.19 mi350 yd06
Sep 15, 2016EF04.73 mi50 yd00
May 5, 2015EF00.15 mi15 yd00
Jun 7, 2014EF03.73 mi50 yd00
Oct 21, 2010EF00.56 mi50 yd00
Oct 21, 2010EF02.86 mi200 yd00
Aug 14, 2006F00.1 mi30 yd00
May 30, 2005F00.1 mi50 yd00
Oct 5, 2004F00.1 mi20 yd00
Apr 8, 2004F00.1 mi50 yd00
Apr 8, 2004F00.5 mi100 yd00
Apr 8, 2004F11 mi200 yd00
Apr 8, 2004F01 mi150 yd00
Apr 8, 2004F01 mi150 yd00
Apr 8, 2004F01 mi200 yd00
Sep 13, 2002F00.1 mi20 yd00
Jun 2, 1999F00.1 mi50 yd00
May 25, 1999F00.1 mi50 yd00
Dec 2, 1997F00.1 mi50 yd00
Nearby

Nearby counties

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Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center severe weather database, 1950 to 2025, and SPC preliminary reports for 2026. Page built October 12, 2026.