West Central Chaves County, New Mexico —

What is happening: The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Flash Flood Warning for west central Chaves County in southeastern New Mexico, in effect until 5:00 PM MDT. Doppler radar showed thunderstorms dropping heavy rain across the warned area, with between 1.5 and 2 inches already fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

Local impacts: Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses, along with other poor-drainage and low-lying areas. Arroyos, streams, and normally dry rivers can become raging, dangerous currents in a matter of minutes, and water in arroyos can travel many miles from upstream rain areas.

What to do:

- Turn around, don't drown when you encounter a flooded road. Most flood deaths happen in vehicles.

- Never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades.

- Move to higher ground immediately if water starts rising near you.

- Stay away from arroyos and normally dry riverbeds during heavy rain.

Source: National Weather Service, Albuquerque, October 26, 2026.