Alert archive / New Mexico / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026

Flash Flood Warning 2, NWS Albuquerque, NM

May 28, 2026Union County, New Mexico

NWS Albuquerque, NM issued this flash flood warning at May 28, 2026, 6:24 PM MDT for Union County, New Mexico. It was in force for 3 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued: May 28, 2026, 6:24 PM MDT (00:24 UTC)
Expired: May 28, 2026, 9:30 PM MDT
In force: 3 hr
Issued by: NWS Albuquerque, NM
Area: Storm-based polygon
Flood severity: None

County Union County, NM

The radar

The Pueblo radar (KPUX), 177 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 00:27 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this flash flood warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The nearest sounding before it

Amarillo Airport, TX (KAMA), launched 00:00Z, 0.4 hours before the alert went out and 259 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-p

Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.

Hodograph

The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.

Mixed-layer CAPE: 738 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN: -7 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL: 1991 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear: 22 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity: 4 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity: 75 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter: 0.0
Supercell composite: 0.2

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

625 
WGUS55 KABQ 290024
FFWABQ
NMC059-290330-
/O.NEW.KABQ.FF.W.0002.260529T0024Z-260529T0330Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
624 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  North Central Union County in northeastern New Mexico...

* Until 930 PM MDT.

* At 624 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
  heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of
  rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 0.75
  inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing
  or expected to begin shortly.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
           highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
           drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Mainly rural areas of North Central Union County.

Low water crossings along NM Road 456 may become impassable.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

In hilly or mountainous terrain there are numerous low water
crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not
attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.

&&

LAT...LON 3692 10375 3695 10374 3697 10370 3695 10361
      3692 10360 3686 10364 3687 10371 3690 10374

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$

16

2 follow-up statements

106 
WGUS75 KABQ 290215
FFSABQ

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
815 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

NMC059-290330-
/O.CON.KABQ.FF.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260529T0330Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Union NM-
815 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 930 PM MDT THIS
EVENING FOR NORTH CENTRAL UNION COUNTY...

At 815 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy
rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 3.5 inches of rain have
fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.25 inches are possible in
the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
         highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
         drainage and low-lying areas.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Mainly rural areas of North Central Union County.

Low water crossings along NM Road 456 may become impassable.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

In hilly or mountainous terrain there are numerous low water
crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not
attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.

&&

LAT...LON 3692 10375 3695 10374 3697 10370 3695 10361
      3692 10360 3686 10364 3687 10371 3690 10374

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$

16

318 
WGUS75 KABQ 290324
FFSABQ

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
924 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

NMC059-290334-
/O.EXP.KABQ.FF.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260529T0330Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Union NM-
924 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 930 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR
NORTH CENTRAL UNION COUNTY...

Light rain will continue over the area and flows of water in arroyos
as well as ponding of water in low spots may persist. Flash flooding
is no longer expected to pose a threat. Please continue to heed any
remaining road closures.

&&

LAT...LON 3692 10375 3695 10374 3697 10370 3695 10361
      3692 10360 3686 10364 3687 10371 3690 10374

$$

16

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this flash flood warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Albuquerque, NM wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at May 28, 5:50 PM MDT, 34 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

Updated at 531 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026
Thunderstorms producing cloud-to-ground lightning, strong wind gusts, hail, and brief locally heavy rain will favor portions of the central mountain chain and eastern New Mexico through Friday afternoon.
Critical fire weather conditions will increase the risk of rapid fire spread across far west-central New Mexico through early this evening and over western New Mexico Friday afternoon.

Area forecast discussion, May 28, 5:50 PM MDT, 34 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion...UPDATED
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
550 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

...New AVIATION...

.KEY MESSAGES...
Updated at 531 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

- Thunderstorms producing cloud-to-ground lightning, strong wind
  gusts, hail, and brief locally heavy rain will favor portions of
  the central mountain chain and eastern New Mexico through
  Friday afternoon.

- Critical fire weather conditions will increase the risk of rapid
  fire spread across far west-central New Mexico through early
  this evening and over western New Mexico Friday afternoon.

&&

.SHORT TERM...
(This evening through Friday night)
Issued at 200 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

An upper low over California and the Great Basin this afternoon is
pulling up low and mid level moisture across central and especially
eastern NM. This higher moisture (PWATS between 0.5 to 0.8 inches)
combined with a shortwave/jet streak rotating northeast over
northwest Mexico is resulting in the development of scattered
showers and thunderstorms across the central and south central
highlands and mountains early to mid this afternoon. Coverage will
be highest across the Capitan Mountains and surrounding areas
northeast of Ruidoso, so the Seven Cabins burn scar will need to
watched for potential flash flooding. Isolated to scattered showers
and storms move east across parts of the eastern plains this
evening. These isolated storms look to linger across portions of the
east central and southeast plains overnight as the shortwave moves
across south central and eastern NM. Meanwhile, it will be dry and
breezy west of the central mountain chain this afternoon due to
increasing southerly flow ahead of the upper low. Temperatures will
be around average for the end of May.

The upper low slowly opens up as it swings over southern NV,
southern UT, and northern AZ Friday. Some isolated storms along the
NM/TX border Friday afternoon due to lingering higher low level
moisture across this part of the state. A few storms will be capable
of becoming strong to severe due to higher bulk shear values of 35
to 40 kts. Meanwhile across western and central NM, deep mixing will
tap into drier and stronger 500-700 winds of 30 to 45 kts resulting
in breezy to locally windy conditions. South-southwest wind gusts of
35 to 45 mph combined with low relative humidity values and dry
fuels will result in a higher risk for rapid fire spread across
western NM Friday afternoon. Winds will taper off and turn westerly
late Friday evening and into the overnight hours as a weak front
sweeps through the state.

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Saturday through Wednesday)
Issued at 200 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

Dry west mid and upper level flow across the state Saturday south of
an upper low over western Wyoming. Western and central NM will be a
touch cooler Saturday due to Friday evening's front while eastern NM
will be a touch warmer due to downslope southwest winds. Breezy
winds across northeast and east central NM Saturday afternoon due to
a surface lee trough. Near average temperatures across western and
central NM and slightly above average temperatures across eastern NM
Sunday with dry southwest flow south of a stalled upper low over the
northern Rockies. A weak trough begins developing off southern CA
along with some higher moisture returning across the eastern plains
Monday. This could result in a few isolated high based showers and
storms near the Texas border Monday afternoon and evening. The weak
trough off southern CA moves east towards the desert SW Tuesday and
closes off into a baggy upper low over the desert SW and northern
Mexico next Wednesday and Thursday. This will allow higher moisture
and better shower and storm chances to return to areas along and
east of the central mountain chain Tuesday with drier shower and
storm activity between the Continental Divide and central mountain
chain. Outflows from storms across the central mountain chain
Tuesday will push the higher moisture and better shower and storm
coverage west to much of western and central NM Wednesday and next
Thursday. Slow and erratic storm motion due to a lack of mid and
upper level flow Tuesday-next Thursday along with soils becoming
more saturated during the period will help to increase the risk of
flash flooding on area burn scars, especially the ones across
Lincoln County.

&&

.AVIATION...
(00Z TAFS)
Issued at 531 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

A couple areas of SHRA/TS from near Ruidoso north toward Moriarty
and from near Raton to Clayton will continue thru 10pm. Convective
SIGMETs and Center Weather Advisories are in effect. Storm motion
is north/northeast at 15-25KT but a couple cells have anchored to
terrain with motions <10KT. This activity will taper off in most
areas except eastern NM from KROW to KTCC where SHRA may persist
well into the overnight. Mid level cigs in place over central and
eastern NM Friday morning will give way to partial clearing by
the afternoon. Isolated to scattered SHRA/TS will develop again
over eastern NM after 2pm then move east/northeast into west TX.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 200 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

Breezy south winds, combined with low minimum relative humidity
values and dry fuels across far west central New Mexico will result
in critical fire weather conditions this afternoon. Isolated to
scattered showers and storms across the central mountain chain
adjacent highlands, and parts of the eastern plains this afternoon
and evening. Stronger south-southwest winds across the area Friday
afternoon with the strongest wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph across
western New Mexico. These winds combined with dry fuels and minimum
relative humidity values in the upper single digits to low teens
across western New Mexico will result in critical fire weather
conditions and a higher risk for rapid fire spread. Lower confidence
in critical fire weather conditions across the middle and lower Rio
Grande Valley due to borderline winds across Socorro and White Sands
Missile Range and lower ERC values across the Albuquerque area due
to precipitation early this week. Isolated strong to severe storms
near the Texas border Friday afternoon. Dry with near average
temperatures for late May this weekend. Breezy southwest winds
across northeast and east central New Mexico Saturday afternoon.
Higher moisture gradually expands westward beginning Tuesday
resulting in higher shower and storm coverage along and east of the
central mountain chain Thursday and most areas Wednesday and next
Thursday. Slow storm motion and soils becoming more saturated during
the period will increase the risk for burn scar flash flooding.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Farmington......................  52  83  44  76 /   5   0   0   0
Dulce...........................  43  79  34  72 /   5   0   0   0
Cuba............................  48  77  40  72 /   0   0   0   0
Gallup..........................  40  78  36  74 /   0   0   0   0
El Morro........................  44  76  39  72 /   0   0   0   0
Grants..........................  45  80  39  76 /   0   0   0   0
Quemado.........................  45  77  40  75 /   0   0   0   0
Magdalena.......................  54  81  48  80 /   0   0   0   0
Datil...........................  48  76  43  76 /   0   0   0   0
Reserve.........................  42  77  37  79 /   0   0   0   0
Glenwood........................  46  81  42  82 /   0   0   0   0
Chama...........................  41  72  34  66 /   5   5   5   0
Los Alamos......................  54  78  49  76 /   5   0   0   0
Pecos...........................  48  76  44  73 /  20  10   0   0
Cerro/Questa....................  49  74  43  71 /   5   5   0   0
Red River.......................  40  65  36  61 /   5  10   0   0
Angel Fire......................  41  70  35  67 /  10  20   0   0
Taos............................  46  77  41  75 /   5   5   0   0
Mora............................  47  73  42  74 /  20  20   5   0
Espanola........................  53  84  46  81 /   5   0   0   0
Santa Fe........................  54  78  48  75 /  10   5   0   0
Santa Fe Airport................  52  81  46  78 /  10   5   0   0
Albuquerque Foothills...........  61  85  55  82 /   0   0   0   0
Albuquerque Heights.............  57  86  52  84 /   0   0   0   0
Albuquerque Valley..............  56  89  51  86 /   0   0   0   0
Albuquerque West Mesa...........  58  86  53  83 /   0   0   0   0
Belen...........................  54  90  49  86 /   0   0   0   0
Bernalillo......................  58  87  53  84 /   0   0   0   0
Bosque Farms....................  53  89  48  85 /   0   0   0   0
Corrales........................  58  87  53  84 /   0   0   0   0
Los Lunas.......................  54  89  50  85 /   0   0   0   0
Placitas........................  58  85  54  81 /   0   0   0   0
Rio Rancho......................  57  86  53  83 /   0   0   0   0
Socorro.........................  60  90  54  89 /   0   0   0   0
Sandia Park/Cedar Crest.........  55  79  49  76 /   0   0   0   0
Tijeras.........................  54  81  49  77 /   0   0   0   0
Edgewood........................  52  80  47  77 /   5   0   0   0
Moriarty/Estancia...............  49  82  45  79 /   5   0   0   0
Clines Corners..................  51  77  47  75 /   5   5   0   0
Mountainair.....................  51  80  47  78 /   0   0   0   0
Gran Quivira....................  52  79  48  78 /   0   0   0   0
Carrizozo.......................  59  81  56  80 /   5   0   0   0
Ruidoso.........................  55  76  52  76 /  20   0   0   0
Capulin.........................  45  76  43  78 /  20  20   5   0
Raton...........................  47  79  43  81 /  20  20   5   0
Springer........................  48  81  44  83 /  20  20   5   0
Las Vegas.......................  49  76  45  76 /  20  20   0   0
Clayton.........................  52  81  50  85 /  20  10   5   0
Roy.............................  50  79  47  82 /  20  20   5   0
Conchas.........................  55  86  53  89 /  20  20   0   0
Santa Rosa......................  54  84  52  86 /  20  20   0   0
Tucumcari.......................  57  87  56  91 /  20  20   0   0
Clovis..........................  59  85  56  89 /  20  30   0   0
Portales........................  59  85  56  90 /  20  20   0   0
Fort Sumner.....................  57  86  53  89 /  20  30   0   0
Roswell.........................  61  89  57  94 /  30   5   0   0
Picacho.........................  56  85  54  87 /  30   5   0   0
Elk.............................  54  81  53  83 /  30   0   0   0

&&

.ABQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Red Flag Warning from noon to 8 PM MDT Friday for NMZ101-105-109.

Red Flag Warning until 8 PM MDT this evening for NMZ105.

&&

SHORT TERM...71
LONG TERM....71
AVIATION...42

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 28, 3:37 PM MDT, 2 hours 47 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
337 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

NMZ215-228-282200-
Far Northeast Highlands NM-East Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains
NM-
337 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN COLFAX COUNTY UNTIL
4 PM MDT...

At 337 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 5
miles south of Philmont Scout Ranch, or 21 miles west of Springer,
moving east at 10 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
  Cimarron, Philmont Scout Ranch, Rayado and Miami.

This includes Highway 64 between Mile Markers 306 and 316.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.

Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until
this storm passes.

Heavy rains from severe thunderstorms can produce sudden and
dangerous flows in arroyos, ditches and over low water crossings. Do
not attempt to drive through areas where water covers the roadway.

&&

LAT...LON 3632 10503 3640 10509 3651 10501 3658 10480
      3631 10472
TIME...MOT...LOC 2136Z 274DEG 6KT 3641 10496

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

24

Special weather statement, May 28, 4:41 PM MDT, 1 hour 43 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
441 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

NMZ239-282315-
Eastern Lincoln County NM-
441 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN LINCOLN COUNTY
UNTIL 515 PM MDT...

At 441 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 6
miles south of Tinnie, or 25 miles east of Ruidoso, moving northeast
at 10 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
  Tinnie and Sunset.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3318 10527 3331 10532 3348 10509 3326 10495
TIME...MOT...LOC 2241Z 240DEG 10KT 3329 10523

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

24

Special weather statement, May 28, 4:46 PM MDT, 1 hour 38 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
446 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

NMZ211-218-219-282315-
Jemez Mountains NM-Santa Fe Metro Area NM-Middle Rio Grande
Valley including the Albuquerque Metro Area NM-
446 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN SANDOVAL COUNTY
UNTIL 515 PM MDT...

At 446 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
San Felipe Pueblo, or 14 miles northeast of Bernalillo, moving
northeast at 10 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
  Santo Domingo Pueblo, Kewa Pueblo, San Felipe Pueblo, Domingo, Pena
  Blanca and Algodones.

This includes Interstate 25 between Mile Markers 247 and 263.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.

Motorists can expect brief but sudden changes in visibility and
ponding of water on roadways as storms move through the area.

&&

LAT...LON 3541 10652 3542 10653 3553 10653 3560 10651
      3559 10638 3556 10625 3543 10625 3536 10636
      3535 10638 3535 10647 3539 10651
TIME...MOT...LOC 2246Z 214DEG 7KT 3544 10637

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

24

Special weather statement, May 28, 5:27 PM MDT, 57 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
527 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

NMZ227-230-282345-
Union County NM-Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass
NM-
527 PM MDT Thu May 28 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN UNION AND
NORTHEASTERN COLFAX COUNTIES UNTIL 545 PM MDT...

At 527 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 13
miles northeast of Des Moines, and is stationary.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
  Mainly rural areas of Northwestern Union and Northeastern Colfax
  Counties.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.

Heavy rains from severe thunderstorms can produce sudden and
dangerous flows in arroyos, ditches and over low water crossings. Do
not attempt to drive through areas where water covers the roadway.

&&

LAT...LON 3700 10383 3700 10375 3700 10352 3690 10355
      3681 10370 3689 10400 3700 10401
TIME...MOT...LOC 2327Z 231DEG 1KT 3693 10373

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 TO 55 MPH

24

The office that day

Everything else NWS Albuquerque, NM issued on the same UTC day.

Issued	Product	Office	Counties	Lasted
May 28, 6:10 PM MDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	ABQ	Union	50 min
May 28, 6:26 PM MDT	Special Weather Statement	ABQ	Santa Fe	34 min
May 28, 6:48 PM MDT	Special Weather Statement	ABQ	Lincoln	27 min
May 28, 7:18 PM MDT	Special Weather Statement	ABQ	Santa Fe	27 min
May 28, 9:02 PM MDT	Special Weather Statement	ABQ	De Baca, Roosevelt	43 min
May 28, 9:45 PM MDT	Special Weather Statement	ABQ	Curry	45 min
May 29, 10:20 AM MDT	Wind Advisory	ABQ	Catron, Cibola, McKinley	9 hr

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in New Mexico, 2026 Every flash flood warning in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.