The National Weather Service office in El Paso, Texas / Santa Teresa, New Mexico has issued a Flood Warning covering 23 areas, in effect from 2:00 AM to 5:15 AM MDT on Tuesday, September 30. A Flood Warning means flooding is already occurring or is imminent – this is a step above a Flood Watch, which only means conditions are favorable for flooding.
Counties and areas named in the warning include Dona Ana and Sierra counties in New Mexico; Randall, Brewster, and Potter counties in Texas; Apache, Gila, and Navajo counties in Arizona; and Bristol and Plymouth counties in Massachusetts, among 13 additional areas. The list reflects zones currently under this warning product as distributed by the NWS.
Overnight hours are the most dangerous time for flooding because water on roads is hard to see. Residents in the affected areas may notice rapidly rising water in arroyos, creeks, and low-water crossings, as well as ponding on roads and poor drainage in urban spots. In the desert Southwest, even modest rainfall can produce fast-moving flash floods through normally dry washes.
What to keep in mind
If you are in a warned area: never drive or walk through floodwater – six inches of moving water can knock an adult down, and a foot can float a vehicle. If you must travel overnight, check road conditions before leaving and have an alternate route that avoids low-water crossings. Move valuables and electronics off ground floors if your home is in a flood-prone spot, and keep a phone charged and a flashlight handy in case of power interruptions. The warning is set to expire at 5:15 AM MDT, but it can be extended if flooding continues.
This information comes from the National Weather Service (NWS) El Paso TX / Santa Teresa NM office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right now if I'm in one of these areas?
Stay off the roads if possible, and never cross flooded roadways on foot or in a vehicle – turn around and find another route. If water is rising near your home, move to higher ground within the building.
How long will this flood warning last?
The warning is currently in effect until 5:15 AM MDT on September 30, a window of just over three hours. The NWS may extend it or issue follow-up warnings if flooding persists past that time.
What's the difference between a Flood Warning and a Flood Watch?
A warning means flooding is happening now or about to happen, so take action immediately. A watch only means conditions are favorable for flooding and you should stay alert.
Is it safe to drive through water on the road?
No. As little as six inches of moving water can sweep a person off their feet, and twelve inches can carry away a car; flood depth and speed are nearly impossible to judge at night.
Keep tracking this:
Source: National Weather Service (NWS)
Related Reading
- Emergency Communication: Staying Connected When Towers Go Down
- Earthquake Survival: Precautions, Kit & Early Warning in 2026
- Essential Guide to Preparing for a Nuclear War
Sky & Solar Conditions at the Time
Moon: Waning Gibbous (87% illuminated), in Taurus.
Notable planetary angles: Moon square Jupiter (91°), Mercury square Mars (88°).
Concurrent space weather: planetary Kp index 1.0; 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.
