Las Vegas, N.M. – Heavy rain over northern New Mexico is raising flood concerns Monday as thunderstorms threaten areas scarred by the 2022 Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon wildfires.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, a Flood Watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. MDT for the Southern and Eastern Slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and portions of the Northeast Highlands. Areas downstream of the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon burn scar are especially vulnerable.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to repeatedly move over the same areas this afternoon and early evening. Rainfall totals of 0.25 to 0.75 inches could trigger flash flooding due to already saturated soil from recent storms.
Communities including Las Vegas, Sapello, and Rociada should be alert for rapidly rising water, especially near creeks and low-water crossings. Residents in flood-prone zones are urged to stay off the roads during heavy rainfall and avoid arroyos or drainages near the burn scars.
Localized flooding may affect NM Highway 65 and 518, where runoff historically impacts travel after storms. This is the first major flood threat of the summer season for burn scar regions.
Flash Flood Warnings may follow this watch if storms intensify. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts.
