Chaves and eastern Lincoln counties are among the areas that could face major flooding between Monday night and Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque.
The possibility of excessive rainfall prompted the National Weather Service Sunday to issue a flood watch for Chaves and eastern Lincoln counties, as well as Harding, Union, Eastern San Miguel, Quay, Curry, Roosevelt and De Baca counties. The flood watch will remain in effect from 6 p.m. Monday until 6 a.m. Wednesday.
A near-record to record surge of moisture and two merging storm systems are forecast to bring multiple days of showers and thunderstorms yielding moderate to heavy rainfall, according to the watch notice. Rivers and streams will see rises in water levels, potentially reaching flood stages.
Urban, low-lying and poorly drained areas and arroyo systems are vulnerable to flooding, according to the flood watch.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Low-water crossings may be flooded,” read the announcement of the flood watch.
The forecast for Monday night in Roswell calls for a 70% chance of rain between 0.10 and 0.25 inches, with showers likely before 9 p.m. and midnight. Showers and a possible thunderstorm are expected after midnight.
A 90% chance of precipitation between 0.50 and 0.75 inches is forecast for Tuesday, with a shower likely before 9 a.m. and a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Forecasters are predicting an 80% chance of showers Tuesday night. Showers and thunderstorms are expected about midnight followed by a chance of showers, according to the notice.
