Staff Reports
Dangerous, record-breaking flash flooding is impacting New Mexico as extreme rainfall from a late monsoon pattern combines with moisture from the remnants of Hurricane Polo and Tropical Storm Odalys Sept. 29.
Acting Gov. Howie Morales signed five executive orders declaring a state of emergency due to flooding across New Mexico Sept. 30, making up to $3.75 million available to the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for response and recovery.
“Communities across New Mexico need help staving off these torrential floodwaters, and they need it now,” he said in a press release. “The State of New Mexico stands with every county, city, and village working around the clock to keep their neighbors safe, and we are bringing every resource to the effort.”
Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in multiple areas of the state, damaging public infrastructure, disrupting transportation routes, and threatening homes and businesses. With more rain in the forecast and local emergency agencies already committing substantial resources, the orders make state resources available to communities in which the need exceeds local capacity.
Executive Orders 2026-073 through 2026-077 each direct the Department of Finance and Administration to make $750,000 available to DHSEM for a total $3.75 million. The funds may be used for resources and services needed to minimize physical or economic harm, including temporary lodging, sheltering, health care, food, and transportation.
The orders also direct the Adjutant General to deploy the New Mexico National Guard as needed to support civil authorities.
Local governments seeking state financial assistance must demonstrate that the cost of their response exceeds available resources. Requests are coordinated through DHSEM.
Residents should follow instructions from local officials, evacuate immediately if told to do so, and never drive, walk, or swim through floodwaters. Find more information about flood safety on the DHSEM website.
Morales signed the orders in his official capacity because Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is traveling out of state.
Gallup didn’t see much rain in this bout of storms, but the area did see more extreme weather earlier in September. A sudden downpour dropped 1.6 inches of rain on Gallup in less than an hour on Sept. 14, triggering major flooding across the area.
Gallup previously declared a municipal emergency after late July storms dropped more than five inches of rain, aiming to secure state financial aid for infrastructure repairs. To qualify for state assistance, McKinley County must reach a combined loss threshold of $356,000 before the governor can formally concur with the disaster declaration.
During a July 28 city council meeting, Gallup Fire Chief Jon Pairett clarified that officials can attach subsequent storm damages to the original claim, allowing the city to include Sept. 14 flooding losses in the final state report.
