The National Weather Service office in Albuquerque, New Mexico, issued a Flash Flood Warning at 3:43 PM MDT on September 24, in effect until 5:00 PM MDT the same day. The warning covers five areas: Lincoln and Curry counties in New Mexico, Otero County in New Mexico, Pima County in Arizona, and the Riverside area of California.
A flash flood warning means flooding is happening now or is about to happen very soon. This is not a forecast of possible rain — it means radar or ground reports indicate water is rising fast in these areas. Readers in the warned locations may notice rapidly rising water in normally dry washes, arroyos, and low-lying roads, standing water on streets, and heavy rainfall rates. Even a few inches of fast-moving water can sweep away a person, and about a foot of water can carry off a vehicle.
Anyone living in or traveling through Lincoln, Curry, or Otero counties in New Mexico, Pima County in Arizona, or the Riverside area of California should take this seriously for the next couple of hours. Low-water crossings, desert washes, and canyon roads are the most dangerous spots during events like this.
What to Do Right Now
Avoid driving through flooded roads — turn around, don’t drown. If you live in a flood-prone area, move to higher ground and stay off low-lying routes until the warning expires at 5:00 PM MDT. Keep your phone charged and weather alerts enabled in case the warning is extended or expanded. Do not walk or play in floodwater, which can hide debris, open drains, or contamination.
This information comes from the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Albuquerque, New Mexico, part of NOAA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right now if I'm in one of the warned areas?
Stay off the roads if possible, avoid low-water crossings and dry washes, and move to higher ground if water is rising near you. Never drive through floodwater of unknown depth.
How long will this warning last?
The current warning runs until 5:00 PM MDT on September 24. The NWS may extend, expand, or cancel it depending on how the rain and runoff evolve, so keep alerts turned on.
Is it safe to drive in Riverside, Pima, or the New Mexico counties during this warning?
Routine travel is not automatically unsafe, but avoid any road with water over it — most flash flood deaths occur in vehicles. Check local road conditions before heading out.
Does a flash flood warning mean flooding is actually happening?
Yes. Unlike a watch, a warning means flash flooding is occurring or imminent in the warned areas based on radar or spotter reports.
Keep tracking this:
Source: National Weather Service (NWS)
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Sky & Solar Conditions at the Time
Moon: Full Moon (96% illuminated), in Pisces.
Notable planetary angles: Moon trine Venus (122°), Mercury sextile Jupiter (64°), Sun sextile Mars (64°).
Concurrent space weather: planetary Kp index 2.0; strongest recent solar flare: nothing notable.
This is a factual snapshot, not a claim of cause and effect – researchers are divided on whether lunar, planetary or solar factors influence seismic or weather activity. It’s included so readers can track the pattern for themselves over time.
