Flash flood watch in effect for El Paso, southern New Mexico on Tuesday and Wednesday
The flash flood watch remains in effect until the evening hours of Wednesday, June 25, and includes the following areas: El Paso, Fabens, Las Cruces, Hatch, Deming and Ruidoso. Flooding can occur in low-water crossings, arroyos, and flood-prone areas, the National Weather Service warned.
El Paso will experience a 90% chance of rain by 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, with the chance of rain continuing into the nighttime hours and into Wednesday, June 25.
Parts of West Texas, including El Paso, have a slight risk of excessive rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday, while parts of Central and southern New Mexico have a moderate risk, according to the Weather Prediction Center.
In New Mexico, burn scars left behind from last year's South Fork and Salt Fire have the potential to turn even the smallest amount of rain into dangerous runoff, especially in flood-prone areas. A water rescue was captured in Ruidoso on Monday, June 23, after flood waters transformed streets into rivers, leaving vehicles submerged near Ruidoso Downs.
A flash flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur, according to the National Weather Service. While it doesn't necessarily mean flash flooding will occur, it is still possible.
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring, and people should move to higher ground.
Sometimes floods develop slowly, and forecasters can anticipate where a flood will happen days or weeks before it occurs. Often, flash floods can occur within minutes, sometimes without any visible sign of rain. Being prepared can save your life and give you peace of mind.
Create a Communications Plan
Assemble an Emergency Kit
Know Your Risk
Sign Up for Notifications
Prepare Your Home
Prepare your Family/Pets
Charge Your Essential Electronics
Leave
During a flood, water levels and the rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Stay informed and monitor local radio and television stations. Avoid flood waters at all costs and evacuate immediately when water starts to rise.
Stay Informed: Listen to radio and television, including NOAA Weather Radio if possible, check the Internet and social media for information and updates.
Get to Higher Ground: If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately.
Obey Evacuation Orders: If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.
Practice Electrical Safety: Don't go into a basement or any room if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises--get out! Stay out of water that may have electricity.
Avoid Flood Waters: Don't walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on Twitter; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
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This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Flash flood watch in effect for El Paso, southern New Mexico
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CBS News
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Threat over after Alaska's capital sees record glacier-related flooding as river tops 16.6 feet
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