ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Heavy evening storms are putting much of central and northern New Mexico under a flood threat as a Flood Watch remains in effect until midnight Friday for cities including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Farmington, and Taos.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected to produce rainfall at rates of one to two inches per hour. Urban neighborhoods, canyons, arroyos, and burn scar regions face the highest risk of flash flooding. Officials warn floodwaters in arroyos can travel long distances, making downstream communities vulnerable with little warning.
The South Central Mountains, including the Ruidoso area, remain under a Flood Watch through Saturday evening. Burn scars from recent wildfires there are especially prone to dangerous runoff, with creeks and streams expected to rise rapidly.
Drivers are urged to avoid low-water crossings and remember, “turn around, don’t drown.” Residents should keep cell phones charged and prepare for possible Flash Flood Warnings tonight and into the weekend.
Flood Watches are expected to remain in place until conditions improve, with updates from the National Weather Service as storms continue.
