Weather
Southwest New Mexico Flood Watch Starts Tuesday
Lordsburg, New Mexico – Torrential downpours could flood roads, creeks and low water crossings …
By Tessa Morgan · 2026-09-21T20:01:44.708Z
Lordsburg, New Mexico – Torrential downpours could flood roads, creeks and low water crossings across southwest New Mexico from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in El Paso, a flood watch takes effect Tuesday afternoon and continues through Wednesday evening for the Upper Gila River Valley, Southwest Desert and Lower Gila River Valley, and the lowlands and uplands of the Bootheel.
The watch includes Lordsburg, Animas, Antelope Wells, Hachita, Virden, Cliff, Buckhorn, Red Rock, Cloverdale, Mule Creek and Gila Hot Springs.
An early season backdoor cool front will interact with deep tropical moisture, producing several rounds of thunderstorms with torrential downpours. The most critical period for heavy rain is expected Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
Repeated thunderstorms could focus on one or two areas, resulting in higher rainfall totals. Excessive runoff could push rivers, creeks and streams out of their banks while flooding low lying and flood prone locations.
Low water crossings could become flooded, and extensive street, creek and river flooding is possible. Poor drainage and urban areas could also experience flooding during heavier thunderstorms.
Residents in flood prone areas should monitor conditions and be prepared to act if flooding develops. The National Weather Service also advises people to watch for possible Flood Warnings as the event develops.
The flood watch remains in effect through Wednesday evening. Tuesday night into Wednesday morning will be the key period to monitor as repeated thunderstorms bring the greatest potential for heavy rainfall and flooding.