Albuquerque, New Mexico – Flash flooding left roads impassable and prompted warnings in eastern San Miguel County Wednesday night as torrential rains soaked northern and central New Mexico. Residents in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Ruidoso face a heightened risk of dangerous runoff and flooding through midnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, a Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for the Sangre de Cristo Mountains eastward until midnight, and for the Ruidoso area through 6 p.m. Thursday July 17. Rainfall totals topped two inches in some mountain communities, overwhelming already saturated ground and sending runoff quickly downstream.
Highway 104 and smaller roads in San Miguel County have reported water over the roadway, with emergency crews urging drivers to avoid flood-prone areas. Communities near Las Vegas, Pecos, and Ruidoso should prepare for sudden road closures, power outages, and rapid stream rises. Residents are urged to stay off the roads, move to higher ground if necessary, and keep cell phones charged in case of emergency alerts.
Flash Flood Watches could be extended if storms redevelop overnight. Stay tuned for further updates as heavy rain threats continue across northern and central New Mexico.
