# Flash Flood Warning for McKinley County Through 3:30 PM

McKinley County, NM — The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Flash Flood Warning for central McKinley County, running through 3:30 PM MDT this afternoon.

What is happening: Slow-moving thunderstorms are dropping heavy rain over the warned area. Doppler radar showed storms pushing out up to three-quarters of an inch of rain in the past hour, and more than an inch fell yesterday — so the ground is already soaked. Another half inch is possible before the warning ends. Flash flooding is either underway or expected to begin very soon.

Local impacts: Small creeks and streams are flooding, along with urban areas, highways, and city streets. Normally dry arroyos can turn into dangerous rushing currents in a matter of minutes — and water can travel many miles from where the rain fell, arriving hours later.

What to do:

- Never drive through flooded roads — turn around, don't drown. Most flood deaths happen in vehicles.

- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially near arroyos and low crossings.

- If you see water rising around you, get to higher ground immediately.

Source: National Weather Service, Albuquerque, NM. Issued October 22, 2026.