ABC-7 First Alert Continues – Heavy Rains and Flash Flooding through Tonight.

El Paso and the surrounding region are in for a stormy and potentially hazardous today as deep tropical moisture combines with an approaching Pacific trough.

A Flood Watch remains in effect through 6 a.m. Wednesday for the entire region. Remnants of Hurricane Polo are helping fuel an unusually moisture-rich atmosphere, increasing the threat for flash flooding today.

Another 1 to 2 inches of rain could fall across much of southern New Mexico and far West Texas through late tonight, with isolated amounts approaching 3 inches in portions of the Gila National Forest. Areas that receive repeated heavy downpours could experience rapid rises in normally dry washes and arroyos.

The threat will not be limited to flooding. Polo's circulation is expected to reach far West Texas around 6 p.m. Tuesday, bringing the potential for wind gusts of up to 50 mph along with isolated severe thunderstorms.

A Wind Advisory is in effect from 3 p.m. Tuesday through midnight for El Paso, Hudspeth and Otero counties, as well as the eastern portions of Doña Ana and Sierra counties. Residents should be prepared for sudden wind gusts, blowing debris and difficult driving conditions, particularly during thunderstorms.

The wet pattern should begin breaking down overnight. By Wednesday morning, Polo's weakening circulation and the Pacific trough will help pull drier air into southern New Mexico. Rain will taper off, although a slight chance of a shower or thunderstorm will remain Wednesday. The significant flood threat is expected to end.

Thursday through Saturday should bring a much quieter stretch of weather.