Alert archive / New Mexico / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026
Flash Flood Warning 178, NWS Midland/Odessa, TX
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.
- 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
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
$$
291 follow-up statement
423
WGUS74 KMAF 270527
FFSMAF
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
1127 PM MDT Wed Aug 26 2026
NMC025-270730-
/O.CON.KMAF.FF.W.0178.000000T0000Z-260827T0730Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Lea NM-
1127 PM MDT Wed Aug 26 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 130 AM MDT THURSDAY
FOR NORTHERN LEA COUNTY...
At 1127 PM MDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated
thunderstorms producing rain continues across the warned area.
Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall
amounts up to 0.5 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash
flooding is ongoing.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
drainage and low-lying areas.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Tatum, McDonald, Crossroads, Caprock, Maljamar, Tatum Airport and
Gladiola.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the
dangers of flooding.
&&
LAT...LON 3314 10306 3305 10338 3298 10349 3289 10358
3283 10369 3284 10381 3296 10381 3297 10377
3340 10377 3340 10372 3348 10372 3352 10325
3351 10305
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR AND GAUGE INDICATED
$$
29What 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
21Special 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
21Special 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
21The office that day
Everything else NWS Midland/Odessa, TX issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 26, 9:13 PM MDT | Special Weather Statement | MAF | Lea | 47 min |
| Aug 26, 9:52 PM MDT | Special Weather Statement | MAF | Lea | 38 min |
| Aug 26, 10:26 PM MDT | Special Weather Statement | MAF | Lea | 49 min |
| Aug 26, 11:16 PM MDT | Special Weather Statement | MAF | Lea | 44 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.