There is still a lot of worry about destructive flash flooding in eastern New Mexico tonight. A Flash Flood Watch is in place until 6 a.m. Thursday for Ruidoso, Roswell, and the eastern lands around them.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque says that storms tonight could bring 1 to 2 inches of rain per hour. Slow-moving cells will make it more likely that debris flows will happen in places with burn scars, especially near Ruidoso. The watch lasts until 9 p.m. everywhere else, but burn scar zones are still in danger until early morning.
Heavy rain, winds up to 50 mph, and lightning are all things that people in Clovis, Tucumcari, Fort Sumner, and Roswell can expect. Flash floods and fast flows are more likely to happen in places that are steep and have been damaged. It might be dangerous to travel, especially on U.S. 70 near Ruidoso and on neighborhood roads below burned areas.
People who live in areas that are likely to flood should stay alert, not drive on roads that are wet, and check local reports at night. Charge your phones and get ready for possible “shelter-in-place” situations.
Friday, the chances of rain will drop, and this weekend, only a few storms are likely to happen. But rain is expected to come back early next week, which will start storm action again.
Five-Day Forecast for Central & Eastern New Mexico
- Thursday: 60–70% chance of storms, flash flooding risk; highs in 80s
- Friday: 30–60% chance of scattered storms; breezy; highs mid-80s
- Saturday: 10–20% chance of isolated storms, especially high terrain
- Sunday: Mostly dry; less than 10% rain chance
- Monday: Storms return to high terrain; 20–30% chance late day
