The National Weather Service in El Paso, Texas, has issued a flood watch that remains in effect through Wednesday evening due to potential flooding from excessive rainfall. Areas affected include portions of New Mexico, particularly Dona Ana, Otero, Sierra, Luna, Grant, and Hidalgo counties, as well as parts of southwest Texas, including El Paso and Hudspeth counties. Residents are advised to stay informed of later forecasts and be ready for possible flood warnings, especially in flood-prone locations.
According to the National Weather Service, Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. The cities listed in the flood watch include several areas where people regularly commute, such as Fort Bliss, Las Cruces, and Alamogordo. The National Weather Service warns of heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, specifically highlighting potential issues in and near areas affected by previous burn scars.
Current conditions in El Paso show mostly cloudy skies with a humidity of 66%, and the temperature stands at 75°F. The weather service forecasts a high near 85 today, with an east southeast wind around 10 mph, and a near-certainty of rain. The chance of precipitation is a staggering 90%, with new rainfall amounts expected to reach between a quarter and half of an inch. This saturation of the soil raises the specter of flooding, as the ground is less capable of absorbing additional water.
By tonight, the showers and thunderstorms are predicted to continue before tapering off slightly after 1 am. However, the region won't have much reprieve, with low temperatures hovering around 71°F and the chance of precipitation lingering at 90%. Looking ahead to the rest of the week, the forecast doesn't offer much in terms of drying out, with showers and thunderstorms remaining likely and temperatures slated to remain in the mid to high 80s.
