Artesia storms cause flooding and minor damage

Strong winds, heavy rain and half-dollar size hail struck the Artesia area Monday evening.

The National Weather Service in Midland, Texas issued three severe thunderstorm warnings at 6:40 p.m., 7:01 p.m. and 8:46 p.m.

Storms caused flooding on some Artesia streets and damaged some vehicles and trees.

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Forecaster Scott Kleebauer said some major forces caused Monday’s storms.

“We had pretty good heating going, combined with a weak disturbance caused a multi-day severe weather risk,” he said.

The storm produced 1.91 inches of rain in the Artesia area.

Kleebauer said Eddy and Lea counties had a “marginal risk” of thunderstorms Tuesday.

“It means a low probability of severe weather,” he said. “(Storms) are a lot more isolated.”

Kleebauer said sunshine and a warm up are the main ingredients for Eddy County’s forecast for the rest of the week.

“It will be hot and dry,” he said.

Kleebauer said Thursday should be the hottest of the week in Carlsbad with a forecast high of 104.

“Be safe and be prepared for the heat,” he said.

Kleebauer suggested people working outside should drink plenty of water during the forecasted heat wave.

Kleebauer said no rain is forecast until next week.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.