Flash Flood in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico

Water over U.S. Highway 84 in Hernandez near highway 74.

An otherwise benign day of isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms across New Mexico was disrupted by life threatening flash flooding over far southeastern Rio Arriba County. The necessary ingredients for back-building thunderstorms came together along the northeast slopes of the Jemez Mountains during the early afternoon. Steering flow shifted these storms eastward into the area around Hernandez, Chamita, and Alcalde where hail and torrential rainfall were reported for several hours. Emergency management estimated up to 30 homes were inundated with water and mud. Many vehicles were overturned in flood waters and at least three water rescues took place. The most significant damage occurred along highway 74 where a mobile home was washed off it's foundation over 50 feet downstream. Numerous roads were impassable. Local DOT officials said for the first time the main arroyo that crosses under U.S. Highway 285 at Hernandez topped the roadway by up to 4 inches. Locals in the area said this was the worst flood they have observed in several decades.