You've likely already heard the warnings from both the National Weather Service and Torrance County Emergency Management – and with good reason. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Flood Watch for the Estancia Valley, Central Highlands, Sandia and Manzano Mountains, and a broad swath of central and eastern New Mexico, in effect from noon MDT today (Tuesday, September 22) through Wednesday afternoon, September 23, 2026.

A dangerous surge of monsoon moisture is arriving today and Wednesday with widespread heavy rain across the region. This is not a single storm event—multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms will move through over the next 36+ hours, with the potential for storms to train repeatedly in succession over some locations.

Rainfall Potential and Storm Intensity:

Most locations along and east of the central mountain chain can expect rainfall exceeding 1.5 inches by Wednesday afternoon. Stronger storms will produce torrential rainfall at rates over 2 inches per hour. Some areas—particularly portions of southern, central, and eastern New Mexico—may receive locally heavier rainfall reaching over 4 inches. The Estancia Valley and Central Highlands are well within the primary impact area.

Heavy rain will likely continue Wednesday night over north-central and eastern New Mexico, with additional showers and storms forecast to return Thursday.

Areas of Greatest Risk:

Rapid runoff and flash flooding will be most likely in complex terrain, below recent burn scars, low-lying areas, urban areas, normally dry arroyos, and near rivers and streams. As the event unfolds, locations with saturated ground will also become prone to rapid runoff and flash flooding from additional rounds of storms. The combination of multiple storm cycles and cumulative rainfall means even areas that handle a single event well may become dangerous as ground saturation increases.

Immediate Actions:

Residents of Torrance County should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. Do not park vehicles in arroyos or washes. Have evacuation routes planned. Avoid driving through flooded roadways—turn around rather than risk being swept away.

For the latest forecast updates and flood safety information, visit the Albuquerque office of the National Weather Service or the National Weather Service Flood Safety Page. Torrance County residents can receive timely alerts by signing up for TextMyGov notifications:

• Text TORRANCE COUNTY to 80946 for general and emergency alerts
• Text TORRANCE FIRE ALERTS to 80946 for information on prescribed burns or active fires in the area
• Text TORRANCE NWS to 80946 for weather-related alerts