Albuquerque, N.M. – Residents from Ruidoso to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains face a heightened flood threat Friday as the National Weather Service keeps a Flood Watch in effect for much of north-central and south-central New Mexico.
According to the NWS in Albuquerque, slow-moving thunderstorms will develop by noon and continue through late tonight, producing rainfall rates near 2 inches per hour in spots. The biggest concern is flash flooding over recent wildfire burn scars, including Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon in the northeast and the South Fork, Salt, Blue 2, and McBride scars near Ruidoso.
Communities in Taos, Angel Fire, Las Vegas, and Ruidoso could see rivers, creeks, and low-lying roads quickly flood. Burn scar areas remain highly vulnerable to sudden mudslides and debris flows. Emergency officials urge drivers not to cross flooded roadways and for residents in flood-prone areas to prepare to move to higher ground if warnings are issued.
Showers and thunderstorms will weaken overnight, but flood risks remain until soils dry out this weekend. More advisories could follow if storms redevelop Saturday.
