Flood Watch Issued for Manzano Mountains and Estancia Valley

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Flood Watch, effective through late tonight, as flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be a possibility. This alert affects various parts of central, east central, north central, northeast, southeast, and west central New Mexico, encompassing areas along the Sandia and Manzano Mountains and the Estancia Valley.

The warning is in place until late tonight. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may overflow their banks, and flooding could occur in areas with poor drainage and urban settings.

Storms are expected to develop over high terrain during the early and mid-afternoon hours, then rapidly expand across much of central and eastern New Mexico in the late afternoon and evening. These storms will be capable of producing torrential rainfall at rates exceeding two inches per hour. Areas where the ground is already saturated from recent rainfall, burn scars, and urban regions will be particularly susceptible to rapid runoff and flash flooding this afternoon and night.

Residents are advised to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action if Flash Flood Warnings are issued. For more information and safety tips, visit NWS Flood Safety.