Carlsbad, NM – A Flood Watch has been issued for parts of southeast New Mexico and southwest Texas beginning this afternoon, with forecasters warning of heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa, the Flood Watch will be in effect from 12 p.m. MDT (1 p.m. CDT) through late Sunday evening. Areas under the watch include Eddy County Plains and the Guadalupe Mountains in New Mexico, as well as the Davis Mountains, Marfa Plateau, Van Horn and Highway 54 Corridor, and surrounding mountain regions in Texas.
Forecasters say scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop as an upper-level system approaches. With above-normal moisture in place, storms could produce more than 1 inch of rain in a short period of time, leading to dangerous runoff and flash flooding.
The National Weather Service warned that creeks, streams, and normally dry arroyos could quickly rise out of their banks, impacting low-lying and flood-prone areas. Drivers are urged not to attempt crossing flooded roads and to monitor updated forecasts throughout the day.
Residents of Carlsbad, Artesia, Alpine, Marfa, Fort Davis, and nearby communities are encouraged to prepare for possible flood conditions and remain alert for future Flood Warnings.
