The entire tornado may not be visible at all times. Tornadoes vary in intensity from 40 mph for the weakest up to 300 mph for the most violent. Tornadoes have been verified in most New Mexico counties. The highest risk of tornadoes is in the east during April through July. However, the latest tornado fatality in New Mexico occurred west of Albuquerque in October 1974 and a rare winter tornado was reported southwest of Roswell in December 1997, proving that tornadoes can form nearly anytime and anywhere within the state.
Tornadoes can occur any elevation.
A small tornado caused damage just east of Santa Fe in 1991 at an elevation above 7000 feet. Others have been reported in the mountains around Ruidoso. New Mexico averages 10 tornadoes per year. In 1998, at least 6 tornadoes were sighted, including an unusual September tornado in Rio Arriba County near Tierra Amarilla. Low population and wide open space both contribute to low reporting of tornadoes in New Mexico.