Flash flood warning issued for north central Bernalillo County
Warning issued due to heavy rainfall from thunderstorms.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque, with support from the National Weather Service in Amarillo, has issued a flash flood warning for north central Bernalillo County in central New Mexico, effective until 5:30 p.m. MDT on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
At 3:43 p.m. MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain in the warned area, with rainfall amounts between 0.5 and 1 inch already recorded. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches per hour, and flash flooding is either ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
The National Weather Service described the hazard as “flash flooding caused by thunderstorms” and stated that the source of the information is radar data. The impact includes flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses, and other low-lying or poorly drained areas.
Areas at risk of flash flooding include eastern Albuquerque, Sandia Heights, South Valley, and Carnuel. The warning also applies to specific stretches of Interstate 40 between mile markers 160 and 171, as well as Interstate 25 near mile marker 223 and between mile markers 229 and 235.
“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles,” the National Weather Service advised.
The warning specifically highlights the risk of flooding in arroyos and flood channels within eastern areas of the Albuquerque metro area.
