Santa Fe, N.M. – Thunderstorms Monday afternoon are triggering renewed flood concerns in northern New Mexico, where saturated terrain near the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon burn scar is especially vulnerable to runoff.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, a Flood Watch remains in effect until midnight MDT tonight for the Southern and Eastern Slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and parts of the Northeast Highlands. The burn scar areas—already destabilized from past wildfires—face a heightened risk of flash flooding as rain intensifies through the evening.
Creeks and arroyos could rise rapidly, especially in Mora and San Miguel counties, flooding low-water crossings and washing out rural roads. Emergency officials warn that any thunderstorm over the scarred terrain could produce life-threatening runoff in minutes.
Residents in flood-prone zones should stay alert and avoid hiking or driving through canyons, especially in areas like Gallinas Canyon, Tecolote Creek, and the Pecos River headwaters. Keep phones charged and be prepared to move to higher ground quickly.
The threat continues until at least midnight, with further alerts possible if rain rates increase or storms stall over the region.
