ABC-7 First Alert Continues – Flood Watch in Effect as Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms slam the Borderland

The Borderland is facing a significant stretch of wet weather, with a Flood Watch in effect through 7 p.m. Wednesday as multiple rounds of thunderstorms bring the potential for heavy rainfall and flash flooding across the region.

At the surface, a backdoor cold front (from the NE) that moved into the region from the Texas Panhandle and eastern New Mexico is helping enhance moisture convergence. Together, these features will support several rounds of thunderstorms through Wednesday evening.

Heaviest rain expected tonight into Wednesday

The overnight hours tonight into Wednesday morning are expected to be the most critical period for heavy rainfall.

The latest modeling is focusing the heaviest precipitation across northern Doña Ana County and western Sierra County, New Mexico, especially in the Black Range.

Rainfall totals could become significant. Forecasts indicate a broader area could receive 2 to 3 inches of rain, with isolated pockets potentially reaching 3 to 5 inches through Thursday.

Some of the heaviest rainfall is expected to fall across basins that drain south of Caballo Dam, particularly areas south of Percha Creek. This could lead to significant rises along the Rio Grande tonight and Wednesday.

Because storms may repeatedly move over the same areas, flash flooding will remain a major concern, particularly in low-lying areas, normally dry arroyos, washes and locations that have already received substantial rainfall.

Flood threat shifts Thursday

The flood threat will continue into Thursday, although rainfall amounts are expected to decrease somewhat compared with Today and Wednesday.

Drier weekend ahead

A quieter weather pattern is expected to develop this weekend. However, the break may be short-lived. An active tropical Pacific system developing along the West Coast could help send additional moisture back into the Borderland early next week.