Flash Flood Warning in Effect for Southwestern Torrance County; Heavy Rain and Rising Water Through 5:15 PM
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Flash Flood Warning for southwestern Torrance County and northeastern Socorro County, in effect until 5:15 p.m. MDT this evening (Tuesday, July 21, 2026).
Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. At 2:22 p.m. MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.75 and 1.75 inches of rain have already fallen, with an expected rainfall rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1.5 inches are possible in the warned area, creating the potential for dangerous and rapidly rising water.
Immediate Hazards:
Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses is expected. Low-lying areas and poor drainage locations are particularly vulnerable. The warning specifically includes Patterson Draw, Chupadera Arroyo, and other washes on the Sierra Larga, as well as county roads B-121 and B-127.
Arroyos, streams, and normally dry rivers can become raging killer currents in a matter of minutes. Water in arroyos can travel many miles and take hours to reach your location from upstream rain areas. What appears to be a gentle trickle can suddenly transform into a torrent with little warning.
Life-Saving Actions:
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Do not attempt to cross flooded roadways or drive through areas where water covers the pavement. Never park vehicles in arroyos or washes, even if they appear dry.
Residents in southwestern Torrance County should avoid travel in the affected areas until this warning expires.
For the latest forecast updates, visit the Albuquerque office of the National Weather Service. 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