Alert archive / New Mexico / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026

Flash Flood Warning 178, NWS Midland/Odessa, TX

August 26, 2026Lea County, New Mexico

NWS Midland/Odessa, TX issued this flash flood warning at Aug 26, 2026, 10:24 PM MDT for Lea 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
Aug 26, 2026, 10:24 PM MDT (04:24 UTC)
Expired
Aug 27, 2026, 1:30 AM MDT
In force
3 hr
Issued by
NWS Midland/Odessa, TX
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

County Lea County, NM

The radar

The Cannon AFB radar (KFDX), 165 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 04:28 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

Midland Regional, TX (KMAF), launched 00:00Z, 4.4 hours before the alert went out and 181 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-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Midland Regional, TX at 00:00Z on 2026-08-27Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 1404 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Midland Regional, TX at 00:00Z on 2026-08-27The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 4 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
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
1404 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-15 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
2696 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
28 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
4 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
91 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
1.4

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

977 
WGUS54 KMAF 270424
FFWMAF
NMC025-270730-
/O.NEW.KMAF.FF.W.0178.260827T0424Z-260827T0730Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
1024 PM MDT Wed Aug 26 2026

The National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Northern Lea County in southeastern New Mexico...

* Until 130 AM MDT.

* At 1024 PM MDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated
  thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between
  0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up
  to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is
  ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

  SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.

  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...
  Tatum, McDonald, Crossroads, Caprock, Maljamar, Tatum Airport and
  Gladiola.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the
dangers of flooding.

&&

LAT...LON 3314 10306 3305 10338 3298 10349 3289 10358
      3283 10369 3284 10381 3296 10381 3297 10377
      3340 10377 3340 10372 3348 10372 3352 10325
      3351 10305

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR AND GAUGE INDICATED

$$

29
1 follow-up statement
423 
WGUS74 KMAF 270527
FFSMAF

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
1127 PM MDT Wed Aug 26 2026

NMC025-270730-
/O.CON.KMAF.FF.W.0178.000000T0000Z-260827T0730Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Lea NM-
1127 PM MDT Wed Aug 26 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 130 AM MDT THURSDAY
FOR NORTHERN LEA COUNTY...

At 1127 PM MDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated
thunderstorms producing rain continues across the warned area.
Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall
amounts up to 0.5 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash
flooding is ongoing.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.

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...
  Tatum, McDonald, Crossroads, Caprock, Maljamar, Tatum Airport and
  Gladiola.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the
dangers of flooding.

&&

LAT...LON 3314 10306 3305 10338 3298 10349 3289 10358
      3283 10369 3284 10381 3296 10381 3297 10377
      3340 10377 3340 10372 3348 10372 3352 10325
      3351 10305

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR AND GAUGE INDICATED

$$

29

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 Midland/Odessa, TX wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Aug 26, 5:26 PM MDT, 4 hours 58 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Updated at 626 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2026
  • A medium (35% to 45%) chance of isolated to scattered storms over the SE NM plains into northern Permian Basin this evening through early tonight, with damaging winds, flash flooding, and hail possible in strongest storms.
  • A medium (35% to 45%) chance of scatted storms over the SE NM plains into northern and central Permian Basin tomorrow afternoon/evening, with damaging winds, flash flooding, and hail again possible in strongest storms.
  • Cooling trend through late week, then renewed warming trend this weekend through early next week as shower/storm chances again decrease.
Area forecast discussion, Aug 26, 5:26 PM MDT, 4 hours 58 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
626 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2026

...New AVIATION...

.KEY MESSAGES...
Updated at 626 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2026

- A medium (35% to 45%) chance of isolated to scattered storms
  over the SE NM plains into northern Permian Basin this evening
  through early tonight, with damaging winds, flash flooding, and
  hail possible in strongest storms.

- A medium (35% to 45%) chance of scatted storms over the SE NM
  plains into northern and central Permian Basin tomorrow
  afternoon/evening, with damaging winds, flash flooding, and
  hail again possible in strongest storms.

- Cooling trend through late week, then renewed warming trend this
  weekend through early next week as shower/storm chances again
  decrease.

&&

.SHORT TERM...
(This afternoon through Thursday night)
Issued at 1256 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2026

Mid to upper ridging develops farther west of the area beginning
today and continuing through the end of the week. This places the
area within the eastern "ring of fire" and northerly flow aloft,
with disturbances aloft assisting in moisture convergence and lift
overlying easterly near surface flow assisting formation of
afternoon/evening storms. Core of ridging and largest magnitude of
sinking relocating farther west will mean highs a few degrees
cooler than the past several days, although temperatures will
remain very warm to hot. This means highs back below 105F for much
of the area and instead more within the 95F-105F range, except
for the Presidio Valley and Big Bend where highs are still
forecast to rise into the 105F-110F range. Low to medium (35% to
45%) PoPs with isolated to scattered storms are apparent on high-
res CAMs this evening through early tonight over the SE NM plains
into the northwest Permian Basin. SPC has outlined the SE NM and
northern into central Permian Basin in a MRGL risk for today, with
damaging winds the main threat. With PWATs up to at least 1.25",
DCAPE at least 1000 J/kg, and shear less than 25 knots, weakly
organized pulse and outflow storms are possible, with an
accompanying risk of damaging winds, localized flash flooding, and
hail. A very well-mixed boundary layer and inverted-V soundings
in models support damaging wind risk, although not all places will
see storms. Lows fall into the 65F-75F range, 60F-65F range
northern and central Lea County into northwest Permian Basin and
Marfa Plateau as storms diminish. Then, high-res CAMs suggest a
low (20% to 30%) risk of isolated storms remaining over parts of
the Permian Basin through early Thursday morning.

Highs Thursday continue the cooling trend, with most places
seeing highs in the 90F-100F range, and 100F-105F reading limited
to along the Rio Grande, with only the Big Bend again being the
main spot to rise to 110F. PoPs increase to 25% to 35% by
afternoon, then 35% to 45% for the SE NM plains into western and
central Permian Basin. Higher PWAT up to at least 1.50", shear
above 25 knots, and DCAPE 1000-1500 J/kg will allow for another
round of strong to severe storms with damaging winds, flash
flooding, and hail possible. High-res CAMS indicate highest
coverage of scattered storms northeast of the Pecos River over the
SE NM plains into the northern and central Permian Basin, with
storms then diminishing as they move south of the Pecos River with
loss of daytime heating by late tomorrow night/early morning.
Lows will again drop to similar levels as tonight, but cooler
temperatures will persist before another warming trend. More
details can be found in the Long Term Discussion below.

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Friday through Tuesday)
Issued at 1256 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2026

Shower/storms chances northeast of the Pecos River diminish, but
remain present from heating of elevated terrain over the Marfa
Plateau, with grids indicating low to medium (25% to 35%) PoPs
Friday afternoon/evening. PWAT closer to 1.00", very weak easterly
flow, and DCAPE below 1000 J/kg suggest most storms will be sub-
severe, with gusty winds and brief heavy rainfall and frequent
lightning the main risks. However, more details in coverage and
potential limits to severity will be become apparent as we get
closer to the end of the week. Highs rise into the 90F-95F range,
85F-90F higher elevations, and close to the triple digits along
the Rio Grande as lows remain similar to past nights. Then,
shower/storm chances diminish farther this weekend through early
next week as mid to upper ridging again develops closer over the
area. This may allow highs to again rise above the triple digits
for the usual warmer spots north of the Rio Grande basin such as
along the Pecos River valley and northeast Permian Basin. This far
out, all we can say for now is that high temperatures will remain
very warm with no major cooling trend in sight as we close the
month of August and head into September.

&&

.AVIATION...
(00Z TAFS)
Issued at 626 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2026

VFR conditions prevail at all terminals the next 24 hours. Isolated
to scattered storms are expected this evening and overnight hours
across portions of southeast New Mexico and west Texas. Opted to
include TS/-TSRA PROB30s at most sites. However, low confidence
(<30%) remains for FST and PEQ. Brief MVFR to IFR VIS may occur with
any outflow boundaries, but have left out of TAFs for now due to
uncertainty in timing/location. Amendments will be made as needed.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Big Spring               73  99  72  99 /  50  20  10   0
Carlsbad                 73 100  72  99 /  10  10  20   0
Dryden                   76 102  75 100 /   0  10   0   0
Fort Stockton            74  99  72  98 /  10  10   0   0
Guadalupe Pass           71  92  69  90 /  10  30  20  10
Hobbs                    70  98  69  96 /  40  20  40   0
Marfa                    64  93  63  91 /   0  20   0  20
Midland Intl Airport     75  98  73  97 /  30  20  10   0
Odessa                   75  98  74  97 /  30  20  10   0
Wink                     75 100  73  99 /  20  10  10   0

&&

.MAF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
TX...None.
NM...None.
&&

SHORT TERM...94
LONG TERM....94
AVIATION...55

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Aug 26, 5:49 PM MDT, 4 hours 35 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
649 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2026

TXZ070-270030-
Reagan TX-
649 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN REAGAN COUNTY
THROUGH 730 PM CDT...

At 649 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Barnhart, or 12 miles southeast of Big Lake, moving northwest at 5
mph.

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 hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
U.S. Highway 67 east of Big Lake.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

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 3108 10128 3108 10143 3118 10147 3129 10129
      3127 10127 3110 10127
TIME...MOT...LOC 2349Z 137DEG 5KT 3111 10126

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

21
Special weather statement, Aug 26, 9:13 PM MDT, 1 hour 11 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
913 PM MDT Wed Aug 26 2026

NMZ029-270400-
Northern Lea County NM-
913 PM MDT Wed Aug 26 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHERN LEA COUNTY THROUGH 1000
PM MDT...

At 911 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 8 miles southwest of Pep to 17 miles south of
Kenna to 12 miles southwest of Caprock. Movement was southeast at 25
mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Blowing dust ahead of the storms could
         quickly reduce visibility.0

Locations impacted include... Tatum,
         Caprock, Crossroads, and Tatum Airport.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3332 10317 3319 10340 3308 10354 3300 10358
      3300 10376 3340 10377 3340 10372 3357 10372
      3357 10309
TIME...MOT...LOC 0311Z 339DEG 21KT 3378 10347 3358 10374 3329 10388

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

21
Special weather statement, Aug 26, 9:52 PM MDT, 32 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
952 PM MDT Wed Aug 26 2026

NMZ029-033-270430-
Northern Lea County NM-Central Lea County NM-
952 PM MDT Wed Aug 26 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHERN LEA COUNTY THROUGH 1030
PM MDT...

At 951 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 18 miles southwest of Caprock to 13 miles
northwest of McDonald to near Tatum. Movement was south at 10 mph.

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 hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Tatum, McDonald, Gladiola, and Tatum Airport.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3305 10307 3296 10336 3297 10376 3335 10377
      3341 10363 3341 10307
TIME...MOT...LOC 0351Z 009DEG 11KT 3316 10388 3324 10352 3325 10324

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

21

The office that day

Everything else NWS Midland/Odessa, TX issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 26, 9:13 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementMAFLea47 min
Aug 26, 9:52 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementMAFLea38 min
Aug 26, 10:26 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementMAFLea49 min
Aug 26, 11:16 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementMAFLea44 min

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in New Mexico, 2026Every 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.