New Mexico Tornado Traveled 15-Mile-Long Path, Report Shows

The National Weather Service reported that a tornado that destroyed or damaged numerous homes and other structures in the southern New Mexico community of Dexter traveled a path about 15 miles long and 150-350 yards wide.

The weather service’s damage survey confirmed that the twister last week on Tuesday night had estimated peak winds of 111-135 mph, rating it in one of two “strong” categories in the middle of a six-point scale.

The survey said six people suffered minor injuries as the twister destroyed or substantially damaged six homes and caused lesser damage to an additional dozen structures.

The survey said the twister dissipated about a half-mile from Dexter after touching down 15 minutes earlier about 15 miles away from the Chaves County community.