Las Vegas, New Mexico – Torrential downpours are triggering life-threatening flash flooding across northwestern San Miguel County Sunday evening, putting several communities and key highways at immediate risk until at least 7 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, up to 1.5 inches of rain has fallen over the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon burn scar, with heavy rainfall focused near El Porvenir, Sapello, Montezuma, Tierra Monte, Storrie Lake State Park, Gallinas, and Manuelitas. Automated rain gauges and radar confirm that flash flooding is ongoing or imminent in these areas, with debris flows and rapidly rising water threatening homes and roads.
Drivers should avoid State Road 94 between mile markers 1 and 9, State Road 518 between mile markers 3 and 16, State Road 266 between mile markers 0 and 6, State Road 65 between mile markers 2 and 14, and State Road 105 near mile marker 0, as flooding and mud could wash out roadways in minutes. Critical waterways, including Manuelitas Creek, the Sapello River, Tecolote Creek, and the Gallinas River, may surge suddenly, increasing danger for those near low-lying areas.
If you are in or near the affected communities, move to higher ground immediately and do not attempt to drive across flooded roads. This warning remains in effect through 7 p.m. Sunday, with additional alerts possible if storms continue. Stay tuned for the latest updates.
