New Mexico Severe Flash Flood Warning | Effective 07/17/2026 12:30

Headline: 
Flash Flood Warning issued July 17 at 1:30PM MDT until July 17 at 4:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
Event: 
Flash Flood Warning
Urgency: 
Immediate
Effective: 
July 17, 2026 - 12:30pm
Expires: 
July 17, 2026 - 3:00pm
Description: 
At 130 PM MDT, Emergency Management reported and local cams showed that Cedar Creek was flowing out of banks and Cedar Creek Drive had been closed due to flooding. Doppler radar showed thunderstorms producing heavy rain persisting over the South Fork Burn Scar. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 0.5 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Excessive rainfall over the burn scar will impact Upper Canyon, Brady Canyon, and Perk Canyon as well as the Cedar Creek, Eagle Creek and Rio Ruidoso drainages. Impacts will include but are not limited to all nearby reservoirs, bridges, culverts and roadways. Impacts to areas along the Rio Ruidoso may extend downstream of Ruidoso Downs. 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 South Fork Burn Scar. SOURCE...Emergency management reported. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of areas in and around the South Fork Burn Scar. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Alto, Glencoe and Hollywood.
Instruction: 
This is a life threatening situation. Heavy rainfall will cause extensive and severe flash flooding of creeks, streams and ditches in the South Fork 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.
Area Description: 
Lincoln, NM
Forcast Office: 
NWS Albuquerque NM