The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory effective until 6 p.m. Monday for portions of central New Mexico, specifically Bernalillo and northwestern Torrance counties.
The advisory warns of arroyo and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall. As of 3:57 p.m., Doppler radar indicated heavy rain from thunderstorms, with 0.5 to 1 inch of rain already fallen. An additional 0.5 to 1 inch of rain is expected, which will result in minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
Locations expected to experience flooding include Moriarty, Chilili, Escabosa, Miera and Ponderosa Pines.
The National Weather Service advises the public to exercise extreme caution when encountering flooded roads. “Turn around, don’t drown” is the key message, as most flood deaths occur in vehicles. In hilly or mountainous terrain, numerous low water crossings can become dangerous during heavy rain. Residents are urged not to attempt to cross flooded roads and to find alternate routes. Both localized and distant heavy rainfall can create sudden and dangerous flows in arroyos and over low water crossings.
For more information on flood safety, visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
