Santa Fe reports tornado damage after warning is canceled

Warning issued over Santa Fe

SANTA FE, N.M. — The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for northeastern Santa Fe County at 7:01 p.m. MDT Saturday, Oct. 24. Its bulletin said a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was over Santa Fe and moving north at 25 mph. The warning was based on radar-indicated rotation and covered Santa Fe, Tesuque, Hyde Memorial State Park, Agua Fria and Chupadero. ^[1]

The warning urged people to shelter on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. KOAT reported at 7:15 p.m. that the NWS had canceled the warning because the storm no longer posed a tornadic threat. ^[2]

City reports damage near Rancho Siringo

Later Saturday night, the city said a tornado caused significant wind and storm damage in Santa Fe. KOAT reported residents saw knocked-down trees, structural damage, torn-off roofs and debris near Rancho Siringo and Camino Chueco, where emergency services responded. The city urged residents to stay indoors and avoid affected areas so emergency crews could work. ^[3]

The warning bulletin documented radar rotation, not a confirmed touchdown. The city’s later account supports that a tornado touched down, but the cited reports do not establish its path, intensity or an Enhanced Fujita rating. They also do not confirm injuries or provide a completed NWS damage survey, leaving those details unknown. ^{[1] [3]}

Storm and flooding hazards continued

The city’s warning also covered flooded streets and areas with running water as rain and storms continued Saturday night. The NWS bulletin had warned of dangerous flying debris and possible roof, window, vehicle and tree damage in the warned area. Residents were asked to avoid affected streets while crews assessed conditions. ^{[1] [3]}