Flood Watch in Effect for Sandia and Manzano Mountains Through Tuesday Evening; Slow-Moving Storms Could Produce Excessive Rainfall
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Flood Watch for the Sandia and Manzano Mountains, including Edgewood, Northeast Highlands, and San Agustin Plains and Adjacent Lowlands, in effect from Tuesday afternoon, July 27, through Tuesday evening, July 28, 2026.
Slow-moving showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop across portions of northern, central, and west-central New Mexico on Tuesday afternoon and evening. These storms will be capable of producing rainfall rates exceeding 2 inches per hour, creating the potential for excessive runoff and flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
Areas of Greatest Risk:
The greatest risk of flash flooding will occur in areas that have received recent heavy rainfall, in urban drainage areas, and around wildfire burn scars. The mountainous terrain of the Sandia and Manzano Mountains and the foothills near Edgewood are particularly susceptible to rapid runoff due to steep slopes and burn scar areas from recent wildfires, which reduce infiltration and increase surface water flow.
What a Flood Watch Means:
A Flood Watch does not mean flooding is certain, but rather that conditions are favorable for flash flooding to develop. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Preparation and Monitoring:
Residents in the Sandia and Manzano Mountains, Edgewood, and surrounding areas should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action if Flash Flood Warnings are issued. Have an evacuation plan ready, and avoid parking vehicles in arroyos or washes. Do not attempt to cross flooded roadways if warnings are issued later today or this evening.
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