Headline:
Flash Flood Warning issued September 17 at 12:56PM MDT until September 17 at 2:30PM MDT by NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
Event:
Flash Flood Warning
Urgency:
Immediate
Effective:
September 17, 2026 - 11:56am
Expires:
September 17, 2026 - 1:30pm
Description:
At 1256 PM MDT, emergency management reported thunderstorms producing
heavy rain over the Salt Fire Burn Scar. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of
rain have fallen. Flash flooding is already occurring. Excessive
rainfall over the burn scar will result in debris flow moving through
the Salt Fire Burn Scar, into canyons flowing north towards Cherokee
Bill Canyon and US Highway 70. These side canyons include Bear, Snow,
and Fence Canyons. Portions of Highway 70 between Apache Summit and
the Lincoln County line may be impacted. The debris flow can consist
of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials.
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing
flash flooding in and around the Salt Fire Burn Scar.
SOURCE...Emergency management reported.
IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of areas in and around the
Salt Fire Burn Scar.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Snow Canyon, Bear Canyon, Fence Canyon and Portions of US Highway
70 between Apache Summit and the Otero-Lincoln County Line.
Instruction:
This is a life threatening situation. Heavy rainfall will cause
extensive and severe flash flooding of creeks...streams...and ditches
in the Salt Fire Burn Scar. Severe debris flows can also be
anticipated across roads. Roads and driveways may be washed away in
places. If you encounter flood waters...climb to safety.
Move away from recently burned areas. Life-threatening flooding of
creeks, roads and normally dry arroyos is likely. The heavy rains
will likely trigger rockslides, mudslides and debris flows in steep
terrain, especially in and around these areas.
Area Description:
Otero, NM
Forcast Office:
NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
Sender:
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov