New Mexico is told it could be hit by a ‘life-threatening’ flash flood TONIGHT

Thousands of people in New Mexico have been asked to monitor the weather forecast as the state braces for another flash flood.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said there is a 50 percent chance the watch could change to a warning for at least four counties in the central part of the state, including Albuquerque, through 8 p.m. MT

According to the NWS, this is a warning when you need to act quickly because flash flooding poses a significant danger to you and your family.

The storm is forecast to bring up to two inches of rain per hour, which combined with the ground already saturated from the past two days of rainfall could lead to excessive runoff and flash flooding.

It is the 29th flash flood warning this year, but the state has already issued 189 warnings, destroying at least 200 homes and rescuing hundreds of people.

Andrew Mangham, senior hydrologist, told DailyMail.com: ‘This problem persists during the monsoon season.

“(Ruidoso) deals with hurricane force winds every week, every day.”

He went on to explain that New Mexico is on track to break the record of 250 flood warnings issued in 2021.

The monsoon season in New Mexico began on June 15 and lasts until September 30.

The months with the most rain are July and August, when up to 40 percent of the total annual precipitation falls.

In late June, the National Guard was sent to New Mexico to rescue residents of Ruidoso, who were dealing with flash flooding on Monday.

Soldiers were seen crossing rising waters to evacuate elderly residents of the town.

Minutes after they were pulled to safety, the water rose six feet, flooding their homes, KOAT reported.

Residents are urged to ‘monitor future weather forecasts and be prepared to take action if flash flood warnings are issued.

“A flash flood warning is in effect this afternoon and this evening above and downstream of the burn scars in Lincoln County,” the NWS Albuquerque reported in an X alert.

“Heavy rain and slow storm movements are expected. High temperatures are expected elsewhere. Triple-digit heat is expected for the plains.”

Last month, an evacuation was ordered in the New Mexico town of Ruidoso due to wildfires

Since 1959, 65 people have died in New Mexico from flash floods.

The flash flooding was caused by heavy rainfall at a fire site near Brady Canyon and Ruidoso Downs.

A forest fire leaves a burn scar that looks like a charred and barren piece of land. It does not absorb precipitation like normal soil and leads to major flooding.

And just a quarter to a half inch of rainfall can cause major flooding at these fire sites.

The last fire broke out in June, leading to an evacuation of Ruidoso.

“Wildfires are common in New Mexico, but this recent fire was particularly rapid,” Mangham said.

The location of the wildfire was problematic. It was in an urban area and was on a route that went through Ruidoso.

He further explained that the NWS will monitor radar to estimate rainfall amounts, and will also utilize ground velocity collectors for precipitation.

The city was hit by another flash flood last weekend, when the National Guard reported rescuing or evacuating at least 12 people and two dogs.

“Once we see the rain exceed a certain threshold, we issue a warning,” Mangham said.

“When we say there is a flash flood warning, we mean don’t go looking for trouble.

“If there is an emergency, it means you shouldn’t go outside because danger will find you.”

Flooding that hit Ruidoso on Monday collapsed part of the city’s racetrack and created a makeshift dam of debris that blocked a river.

“I don’t know how much of a cleanup effort is being made, but they are working on it and we can expect to be hit again today,” Mangham said.

The city was hit by another flash flood last weekend, when the National Guard reported rescuing or evacuating at least 12 people and two dogs. FOX Weather reported.

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