New Mexico activates emergency center ahead of anticipated flooding

Sep 22, 2026 | 7:07 pm ET

By Source NM Staff

New Mexico activates emergency center ahead of anticipated flooding

New Mexico communities that have experienced wildfire remain particularly vulnerable to flash flooding, such as Ruidoso, pictured above in July of 2024 after storms dumped rain into the burn scar of the South Fork and Salt fires and flash flooding closed roads. The state Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on Sept. 22, 2026, activated its emergency operations center in anticipation of heavy rains and flash flooding. (Photo courtesy of City of Ruidoso)

The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management announced on Tuesday afternoon it had activated the State Emergency Operation Center ahead of of expected flash flooding.

Forecasts from the National Weather Service in Albuquerque predict heavy rainfall through Thursday, putting New Mexico’s burn scars at high risks very for flooding.

A news release says state agencies are coordinating with the Homeland Security agency to put people and equipment across the state with the New Mexico National Guard Swiftwater personnel pre-positioned near Ruidoso and Las Vegas, and regional teams on standby in Doña Ana, Santa Fe, Sandoval and Valencia counties.

“Sudden, heavy rainfall can become dangerous – especially in burn scar areas – so we’re putting resources in place to respond to any flash flooding emergencies quickly and effectively,” Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, Adjutant General of the NM National Guard and interim Cabinet secretary of DHSEM, said in a statement.

In addition, the agency says it has coordinated delivery of 5,000 sandbags across four different counties and a mechanical sandbagger to Sandoval County.

DHSEM also issued recommendations to residents ahead of flooding, including evacuating immediately if told to do so, and otherwise sheltering in place at the highest point of your homes. In addition, avoid walking, swimming or driving through flood waters. More information on flood safety is available on DHSEM’s website.

PNM on Tuesday also issued a news release urging residents to take precautions during expected storms and prepare for possible weather-related outages, which can be tracked online.