Flash Flood in Valencia County, New Mexico

Heavy rainfall in Belen led to a levee failure along Hansen Road. Several homes and vehicles were flooded. Damage amounts are estimated.

The first significant surge of monsoon moisture of the 2018 season generated numerous showers and thunderstorms with locally heavy rainfall across New Mexico. The first thunderstorms of the day developed over the northeast and east central plains followed by scattered activity around the higher terrain of central and western New Mexico. Storm motions were slow to the west with localized areas of heavy rainfall. A severe thunderstorm impacted the area around Sumner Lake where winds gusted up to 60 mph with nickel size hail and torrential rainfall. Heavy rainfall along NM-38 west of Red River forced a mud slide over the highway. Moderate rainfall over the Ute Park burn scar also generated a mud slide and the closure of U.S. Highway 64. Flooding also occurred around Santa Fe where roads were closed around the north side of town. A torrential downpour along U.S. Highway 550 near Rio Rancho produced flash flooding and the closure of several intersections. A levee breach in Belen near Hansen Road flooded a large section of town near the Belen High School. Shelters were open for those affected by flooding in Belen.