Hail Damages Vehicles, Homes in Southern New Mexico

Hundreds of southern New Mexico residents have filed automobile damage claims after powerful storms dumped large hail and heavy rain in the area.

Allstate offices in Las Cruces said 200 claims already have been filed, and the insurance company estimated it will receive 400 more. The company also anticipated it will receive between 250 and 300 homeowner claims.

Wednesday’s thunderstorm brought golf ball-sized hail and dumped 2.07 inches of rain in Las Cruces and 0.60 inches of rain in Mesilla.

Residents and business owners worked Thursday to repair rooftops, while local body shops saw a flood of dinged up vehicles.

Beverly Floyd said her vehicle was hit ferociously _ a cracked windshield, a broken side window and numerous dents on the hood and roof.

New Mexico State University student J.B. Brown said he found hail stones inside his house and broken pieces of plastic where hail penetrated the skylights.

NMSU vegetable specialist Stephanie Walker said the hail also damaged some cotton crops and pecan trees.