Flood Watch Issued for Torrance County and Central New Mexico
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Flood Watch effective from Friday morning, September 12, through late Friday evening, warning of possible flash flooding across central, north central, northwest, and west central New Mexico. The watch includes Torrance County, the Sandia and Manzano Mountains, and surrounding areas such as Edgewood and the Middle Rio Grande Valley.
Forecast Details:
A disturbance ahead of a Pacific cold front will trigger training thunderstorms, which are storms that repeatedly move over the same areas. These storms could produce rainfall accumulations of up to 2 inches, with the heaviest rainfall rates reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour. Forecasters expect multiple rounds of thunderstorms to persist into the evening, increasing the risk of excessive runoff and flooding.
Potential Impacts:
- Flash flooding of creeks, streams, arroyos, and low-lying areas
- Rapid water accumulation in poor-drainage urban locations
- Travel hazards on roads that may become water-covered or washed out
Areas of Concern:
- Estancia Valley and Mountainair
- Sandia and Manzano Mountains
- Santa Fe Metro Area
- Northern and Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains
- Glorieta Mesa and Jemez Mountains
- Middle Rio Grande Valley including Albuquerque
Safety Guidance:
Residents should prepare for the possibility of sudden flooding, especially in flood-prone areas. If a Flash Flood Warning is issued, take immediate action by moving to higher ground. Motorists should avoid flooded roadways and remember: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
Stay informed with forecast updates from the Albuquerque office of the National Weather Service and sign up for local alerts through the Torrance County Department of Emergency Management’s Code Red system.