Flash Flood Warning in Effect Through 9:15 PM for West Central Torrance County (including Mountainair) and Albuquerque Area
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Flash Flood Warning for west central Torrance County, Bernalillo County, and northeastern Valencia County, in effect until 9:15 p.m. MDT this evening (Friday, July 24, 2026).
Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. At 6:44 PM MDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 2 inches of rain have already fallen, with additional rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 0.75 inches possible in the warned area.
Affected Areas:
While the warning includes portions of west central Torrance County, the primary impacts are concentrated in the Albuquerque metropolitan area and foothills, including Tijeras, Cedar Crest, Carnuel, and the South Valley. The warning also includes Interstate 40 between Mile Markers 169 and 175 and Interstate 25 between Mile Markers 215 and 221.
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.
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.
Life-Saving Actions:
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Residents and travelers in the warned area should avoid crossing flooded roadways and should not park vehicles in arroyos or washes.
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