Staff Reports
A line of strong thunderstorms will impact northwestern Catron, southwestern Cibola, and southwestern McKinley counties until 5:15 pm July 28.
At 4:28 pm Doppler radar was tracking a line of thunderstorms extending from 12 miles northwest of Salt Lake to seven miles east of Black Rock, moving northwest at 15 mph.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickle size hail are possible with this storm.
Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.
The areas impacted include Zuni Pueblo, Black Rock, Vanderwagen, and Pescado.
Officials are asking residents to 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 avaliable television stations for addtional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
The heavy rain is expected to cause some minor flooding.
A flash flood warning for the aforementioned areas is in place until 7:30 pm.
The thunderstorms are producing heavy rain. As of 5 pm, 1.5 inches of rain has fallen so far.
Heavy rains from severe thunderstorms can produce sudden and dangerous flows in arroyos, ditches, and over low water crossings. Don’t attempt to drive through areas where water covers the roadway. The expected rainfall rate is one to two inches in one hour. Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.75 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
Some areas that are expected to experience flash flooding include Pine Hill, Ramah, and Pescado.
Authorities are asking residents not to cross flowing water or water of unknown depth. Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Arroyos, streams, and normally dry rivers can become raging killer currents ina matter of minutes. Water in arroyos can travel many miles and take hours to reach a locaiton from upstream rain areas.
