Albuquerque, N.M. – Torrential rain and flash flooding remain a serious concern across eastern and south-central New Mexico through late Saturday night, with the National Weather Service warning that saturated ground will make conditions especially dangerous.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, a Flood Watch remains in effect for Curry, Roosevelt, De Baca, Chaves, and Lincoln counties, as well as the South Central Mountains. Forecasters warn that slow-moving thunderstorms could drop between 1 and 3 inches of rain per hour, with the heaviest rain falling late Saturday into the overnight hours.
Communities including Clovis, Portales, Roswell, and Ruidoso face the highest risk of flooding, especially in poor-drainage areas, low-lying roads, and along creeks and rivers. The Ruidoso area is of particular concern, where wildfire burn scars make debris flows and sudden flash flooding more likely.
Emergency officials advise residents to avoid driving across flooded roadways, keep mobile devices charged in case of power outages, and prepare to move to higher ground if warnings are issued. Urban flooding and road closures are possible, especially on secondary highways and rural routes.
The Flood Watch remains in effect until early Sunday morning, with additional advisories possible if storms continue to redevelop overnight.
