A deep plume of monsoon moisture centered over New Mexico interacted with a surface boundary moving westward across the eastern plains on August 6, 2019. Thunderstorms erupted over the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains during the early afternoon before drifting southward into the Rio Grande Valley.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS ABQ wrote it up.
A deep plume of monsoon moisture centered over New Mexico interacted with a surface boundary moving westward across the eastern plains on August 6, 2019. Thunderstorms erupted over the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains during the early afternoon before drifting southward into the Rio Grande Valley. The area between Santa Fe, Cochiti, and Rio Rancho was impacted particularly hard with localized rainfall amounts up to two inches in around one hour. Torrential rainfall impacted Los Cerrillos where many roads were washed out with rocks, mud, and debris. Tent Rocks was closed for a couple days due to roads damaged by flood waters, rocks, and debris. Rio Rancho also experienced flash flooding with many roads on the far west side of town inundated by water and mud. Damage amounts are estimated for impacts to roadways in the area.
The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at Aug 6, 1:30 PM MST, 30 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 230 PM MDT Tue Aug 6 2019 .SYNOPSIS... Showers and thunderstorms with heavy rainfall will continue to impact New Mexico through the weekend as a deep tap of monsoon moisture focuses directly over the state. The threat for flash flooding will be highest near burn scars, steep terrain, urban drainages, and locations that receive daily rounds of heavy rain. High temperatures will be near normal for most folks with the exception of eastern New Mexico where readings will top out between 95 and 100 degrees each afternoon. Storm motion will be slow and erratic today then transition toward the northeast through the end of the week. && .DISCUSSION... The latest radar and satellite suite shows a significant uptick in storm coverage and intensity today across northern and central NM. The 12Z KABQ PWAT of 1.17" with weak steering flow, a near moist adiabatic profile, and abundant instability will support vigorous convection through the evening along and north of I-40. The area over southern NM is currently overcoming overnight rainfall with widespread cloud cover and convective inhibition based on the 19Z LAPS analysis. Not much change was made to the previous update to continue a Flash Flood Watch thru the evening given trends with radar and near-term, hi-res models. Convective coverage on Wednesday is shown with good agreement by model guidance to be less vigorous with scattered coverage focused mainly over northern and western NM. PW values will still be above normal and storm motion will become more southwest to northeast while upper level high pressure centers over southeast NM. Flash flooding is still possible but the overall coverage is expected to be less. A return to more robust convection with torrential rainfall is in store Thursday as the upper high shifts farther east into TX and a warm core upper wave slides north into the southwest CONUS. Model moisture, instability, and subsequent QPF is very impressive with many bullseyes of QPF in excess of 1" over the area. This will likely be the most significant threat for flash flooding this season, especially given the stage is set from recent heavy rainfall over the region. This overall pattern will likely continue through the end of the week as a more traditional monsoon pattern remains in place over NM. Guyer && .FIRE WEATHER... In typical early August fashion, showers and thunderstorms will remain active over northern and central NM each day through the upcoming weekend. Slow-moving storms will pose risks of burn scar flash flooding and erratic outflow winds, as well as new lightning ignitions from strikes that occur just outside of precipitation cores. Outside of thunderstorms, hot and near (western and central NM) to above normal (in eastern plains of NM) temperatures will persist. Each day, afternoon humidity will stay at or above a 25 to 35 percent range, effectively recovering to 70 to 90 percent overnight for most zones within the forecast area. After an active period through this weekend, a subtle drying of dewpoints and hence lower humidity could infiltrate parts of northwestern NM. Elsewhere scattered storms will continue to develop. 52 && .AVIATION... 18Z TAF CYCLE Increased shower and thunderstorm activity is forecast today, over much of northern and central New Mexico as abundant moisture remains intact with more unstable conditions developing. Slow and erratic storm motions are forecast with heavy downpours limiting ceilings and visibility. Gusty downburst winds and small hail will also be possible near any storms. Outside of thunderstorms, prevailing winds will be light with hot temperatures creating high density altitudes that will pose difficult ascents for some aircraft. 52 && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Farmington...................... 63 93 63 93 / 30 20 20 30 Dulce........................... 55 87 53 88 / 40 40 30 40 Cuba............................ 59 87 59 88 / 60 30 30 50 Gallup.......................... 57 90 58 89 / 40 30 20 40 El Morro........................ 54 84 55 84 / 60 30 30 60 Grants.......................... 57 87 58 86 / 60 40 30 60 Quemado......................... 58 84 58 82 / 50 50 40 70 Datil........................... 56 84 58 83 / 60 50 30 70 Glenwood........................ 65 92 66 90 / 40 40 30 50 Chama........................... 52 77 51 78 / 50 50 40 50 Los Alamos...................... 61 84 62 83 / 50 40 50 60 Pecos........................... 59 83 60 84 / 60 30 30 60 Cerro/Questa.................... 54 80 53 80 / 40 50 40 70 Red River....................... 48 74 48 74 / 50 60 50 80 Angel Fire...................... 46 77 46 77 / 50 50 30 70 Taos............................ 55 85 55 86 / 30 40 30 60 Mora............................ 55 82 55 83 / 50 50 30 70 Espanola........................ 61 89 61 90 / 40 30 40 50 Santa Fe........................ 61 84 62 85 / 60 30 40 60 Santa Fe Airport................ 61 88 62 89 / 60 30 30 50 Albuquerque Foothills........... 67 91 68 90 / 70 20 30 50 Albuquerque Heights............. 68 92 69 91 / 60 20 30 40 Albuquerque Valley.............. 67 95 68 93 / 60 20 30 40 Albuquerque West Mesa........... 67 93 68 92 / 60 20 30 40 Los Lunas....................... 65 94 66 92 / 60 20 30 40 Rio Rancho...................... 67 93 68 93 / 70 20 30 40 Socorro......................... 67 97 69 94 / 40 30 40 40 Sandia Park/Cedar Crest......... 60 87 61 87 / 80 30 30 60 Tijeras......................... 63 90 64 90 / 80 30 30 60 Moriarty/Estancia............... 57 90 58 90 / 70 30 30 50 Clines Corners.................. 60 86 60 86 / 80 30 30 60 Gran Quivira.................... 62 90 62 90 / 60 30 30 60 Carrizozo....................... 67 93 67 92 / 40 20 30 50 Ruidoso......................... 59 86 59 84 / 50 40 30 60 Capulin......................... 59 88 57 85 / 30 40 30 60 Raton........................... 57 91 56 90 / 30 40 30 60 Springer........................ 58 90 58 89 / 30 40 30 60 Las Vegas....................... 57 85 57 85 / 50 30 30 60 Clayton......................... 65 97 65 93 / 20 20 40 30 Roy............................. 63 91 62 89 / 30 30 30 40 Conchas......................... 69 99 69 98 / 30 20 30 30 Santa Rosa...................... 69 98 68 98 / 40 20 30 30 Tucumcari....................... 70 100 70 100 / 20 20 20 20 Clovis.......................... 69 97 69 96 / 20 20 20 10 Portales........................ 70 99 70 98 / 20 10 20 10 Fort Sumner..................... 70 96 70 96 / 30 10 20 20 Roswell......................... 73 101 74 102 / 20 10 20 20 Picacho......................... 67 93 66 93 / 30 30 30 40 Elk............................. 63 89 63 89 / 40 40 40 50 && .ABQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Flash Flood Watch until midnight MDT tonight for the following zones... NMZ504-506-507-510>515-517>519-521>523-527>529. &&
Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 1128 AM MDT Tue Aug 6 2019 NMZ501>540-071100- Northwest Plateau-Chuska Mountains-Far Northwest Highlands- Northwest Highlands-West Central Plateau-West Central Mountains- West Central Highlands-Southwest Mountains- San Francisco River Valley-San Juan Mountains-Jemez Mountains- West Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains- Northern Sangre de Cristos above 9500 feet/Red River- Southern Sangre de Cristos above 9500 feet- East Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains-Upper Rio Grande Valley- Lower Chama River Valley-Santa Fe Metro Area- Middle Rio Grande Valley/Albuquerque Metro Area- Lower Rio Grande Valley-Sandia/Manzano Mountains-Estancia Valley- Central Highlands-South Central Highlands-Upper Tularosa Valley- South Central Mountains-Raton Ridge/Johnson Mesa- Far Northeast Highlands-Northeast Highlands-Union County- Harding County-Eastern San Miguel County-Guadalupe County- Quay County-Curry County-Roosevelt County-De Baca County- Chaves County Plains-Eastern Lincoln County-Southwest Chaves County- 1128 AM MDT Tue Aug 6 2019 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of north and central New Mexico. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight Showers and thunderstorms with heavy rainfall over much of northern and central New Mexico will elevate the flash flood threat today and tonight, especially over burn scars, steep terrain, urban drainages, and in areas where recent heavy rain has fallen. Storm motions will be slow and erratic with rainfall rates over 2 inches per hour. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday Showers and thunderstorms with heavy rainfall will continue to impact much of northern and central New Mexico from Wednesday through the weekend. The potential for flash flooding will increase with each day of heavy rainfall, particularly over burn scars, steep terrain, urban drainages, and areas that receive additional heavy rainfall. Storm motions will gradually become more south to north then southwest to northeast through the week. Rainfall rates over 2 inches per hour are expected. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report flooding, strong winds, and hail through the National Weather Service Albuquerque web site at weather.gov/abq or by calling 1.888.386.7637. You can also submit storm reports and photos on our Facebook page or via Twitter using the hashtag nmwx. Guyer
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 1201 PM MDT Tue Aug 6 2019 NMZ522-523-061830- Central Highlands-Estancia Valley- 1201 PM MDT Tue Aug 6 2019 ...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHEASTERN TORRANCE COUNTY UNTIL 1230 PM MDT... At 1200 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8 miles southwest of Clines Corners, or 17 miles southeast of Moriarty, moving northeast at 5 mph. Nickel size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Clines Corners. This includes the following highways... Interstate 40 between Mile Markers 211 and 221. Highway 285 between Mile Markers 234 and 253. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Frequent dangerous 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. Heavy rains will cause water to pond on roads and in low spots. Fast running water will quickly fill arroyos and ditches. && LAT...LON 3479 10586 3495 10590 3508 10565 3480 10551 TIME...MOT...LOC 1800Z 240DEG 6KT 3490 10576 24
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 1247 PM MDT Tue Aug 6 2019 NMZ523-061915- Central Highlands- 1247 PM MDT Tue Aug 6 2019 ...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHWESTERN SAN MIGUEL AND SOUTHEASTERN SANTA FE COUNTIES UNTIL 115 PM MDT... At 1247 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 12 miles north of Clines Corners, or 20 miles northeast of Moriarty, moving northeast at 5 mph. Nickel size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this storm. Heavy rain will also be possible with this storm. This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of southwestern San Miguel and southeastern Santa Fe Counties. This includes Highway 285 between Mile Markers 254 and 268. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Motorists can expect brief but sudden changes in visibility and ponding of water on highways as storms move through the area. && LAT...LON 3504 10577 3521 10588 3536 10567 3512 10551 TIME...MOT...LOC 1847Z 240DEG 6KT 3517 10575 24
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
141 PM MDT Tue Aug 6 2019
NMZ512-515-518-523-529-062015-
Northeast Highlands-West Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains-East
Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains-Santa Fe Metro Area-Central
Highlands-
141 PM MDT Tue Aug 6 2019
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR WEST CENTRAL SAN MIGUEL AND
SOUTHEASTERN SANTA FE COUNTIES UNTIL 215 PM MDT...
At 140 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Rowe, or 22 miles southeast of Santa Fe, moving south at 15 mph.
Dime size hail will be possible with this storm.
Heavy rain will also be possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Pecos, Upper Colonias, Lamy, Ribera, Rowe, Chapelle, South San
Ysidro, North San Ysidro, San Pablo and Lower Colonias.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 25 near Mile Marker 293, and between Mile Markers 301 and
333.
Highway 285 between Mile Markers 268 and 281.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Motorists can expect brief but sudden changes in visibility and
ponding of water on highways as storms move through the area.
&&
LAT...LON 3537 10524 3522 10588 3553 10588 3563 10553
3560 10550 3562 10550 3564 10548
TIME...MOT...LOC 1940Z 340DEG 13KT 3548 10563
24Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 149 PM MDT Tue Aug 6 2019 NMZ518-521-522-062015- Sandia/Manzano Mountains-Santa Fe Metro Area-Estancia Valley- 149 PM MDT Tue Aug 6 2019 ...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN SANDOVAL AND SOUTHWESTERN SANTA FE COUNTIES UNTIL 215 PM MDT... At 149 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Galisteo, or 22 miles south of Santa Fe, moving northwest at 10 mph. Nickel size hail will be possible with this storm. Heavy rain will also be possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Cerrillos Hills State Park, Galisteo, Los Cerrillos, Madrid and Golden. This includes Interstate 25 near Mile Marker 270. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Heavy rains will cause water to pond on roads and in low spots. Fast running water will quickly fill arroyos and ditches. && LAT...LON 3539 10590 3520 10600 3528 10638 3554 10614 TIME...MOT...LOC 1949Z 123DEG 7KT 3536 10604 24
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 153 PM MDT Tue Aug 6 2019 NMZ504-062030- Northwest Highlands- 153 PM MDT Tue Aug 6 2019 ...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHEASTERN MCKINLEY COUNTY UNTIL 230 PM MDT... At 152 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 11 miles southwest of Ojo Encino, or 33 miles west of Cuba, moving northwest at 10 mph. Nickel size hail and wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph will be possible with this storm. Heavy rain will also be possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Pueblo Pintado. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Heavy rains will cause water to pond on roads and in low spots. Fast running water will quickly fill arroyos and ditches. && LAT...LON 3588 10731 3575 10751 3587 10772 3600 10751 TIME...MOT...LOC 1952Z 123DEG 7KT 3587 10751 24
The Albuquerque radar (KABX), 67 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:59 UTC.
4 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.
Forest service road was completely washed out between Gilman and Porter. The road is closed until further notice until repairs can be made. Damage amounts are estimated for a one mile section of destroyed roadway.
One to two inches of rainfall in less than an hour around Cerrillos produced flash flooding along Galisteo Creek and nearby rural areas. Galisteo Creek at Galisteo Dam rose 5.5 feet in one hour. Many dirt roads were flooded and washed out with rocks, mud, and debris. A dramatic video along Goldmine Road south of Cerrillos looked like a tropical storm was impacting the area. Damage amounts are estimated for road damage in the area.
Tent Rocks National Monument was closed for two days due to washed out roads from flood waters. Rocks, mud, and debris covered several sections of the main road to the monument. Damage amounts are estimated for roadways.
Streets turned into rivers near 6th St NE and 5th Ave NE. Damage amounts are estimated for roadways.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in New Mexico in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyWarnings in New Mexico, August 2019
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 835019, 834647, 834648, 834649.