El Paso, Southern New Mexico at risk of flash flooding during upcoming Monsoon storms
El Paso has a 30% chance of precipitation on Saturday, June 21, with chances increasing through Monday and Tuesday, June 23-24, according to the National Weather Service. El Paso, along with parts of southern New Mexico, has a slight risk for flash flooding on both Monday and Tuesday.
"We could be getting some decent rain here in El Paso," said Mike Hardiman, forecaster with the National Weather Service. "It's a good start (to the monsoon), since we need the rain and we need the cooler weather."
As moisture moves in from Northern Mexico, temperatures are expected to drop from triple-digit heat to the upper 80s by next week — that's 10 to 12 degrees below normal. While the rain offers a break from the scorching heat, there is always a chance that a monsoonal storm can cause water to pool in certain areas.
Thunderstorms may linger in one area for a period of time, dropping heavy rain and causing localized flooding, Hardiman said.
"This is a daily thing that happens in the summer," Hardiman said. "You get a heavy enough rainstorm over the right spot, flooding can occur. We're expecting that we could run into some issues here."
The monsoon season typically brings the most rainfall to the region, from June 15 to Sept. 30. This year, West Texas and most of New Mexico have equal chances for above-normal, near-normal, or below-normal precipitation.
While the first days of monsoon are expected to be active, it doesn't mean it will stay that way.
"The thing is that monsoon tends to come in these bursts," Hardiman said. "Sometimes they can last a week or two and we get a little break. So I wouldn't be surprised if we get to taper down a little bit, but hopefully we'll keep this pattern going where it stays relatively active without too many problems."
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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 X; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
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This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso, New Mexico at risk of flash flooding during upcoming storms
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