Midland, Texas – Residents across West Texas and southern New Mexico should brace for flooding through Thursday, as multiple rounds of heavy rain threaten low-lying roads, urban areas, and burn scar regions.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Midland, Albuquerque, and El Paso, a widespread Flood Watch remains in effect until Thursday evening for nearly 50 counties and municipalities spanning from Odessa and Hobbs to Ruidoso and Silver City. Monsoon moisture combined with a slow-moving disturbance could bring multiple inches of rain in a short time, triggering flash flooding in creeks, washes, and poor-drainage zones.
In Texas, roads in Midland, Odessa, Fort Stockton, and the Guadalupe Mountains may become impassable, especially in low-water crossings. Westbound I-20 and parts of Highway 285 near Pecos could see delays. Emergency officials advise residents to avoid driving through flooded areas and to have backup power sources and emergency kits ready.
In New Mexico, burn scars from the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon fires near Ruidoso pose elevated landslide and flash flood risks, while Sacramento and Sangre de Cristo mountain slopes are especially vulnerable. Small streams and storm drains may quickly overflow, even in remote areas.
Flood Watches will remain active through Thursday evening, with more localized warnings likely. Residents are urged to monitor local alerts and have evacuation routes planned, especially near rivers, arroyos, and mountain canyons.
