Flash Flood in Valencia County, New Mexico

Heavy rain in Belen resulted in significant flash flooding across the town. Over two inches of rain breached the Belen Highline Canal which caused flooding along Main Street. An unknown amount of homes and businesses were damaged from the water. The New Mexico Governor signed an executive order declaring a State of Emergency in Valencia County due to the flooding. Damages are estimated.

The area of high pressure that had been centered over the Four Corners shifted slightly westward on July 6, 2021. Meanwhile, low level return flow continued which aided in keeping moisture values high across New Mexico. With sufficient instability and shear, another crop of thunderstorms developed first across the high terrain before becoming more widespread across lower elevations. With numerous days of widespread thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, soils across northern and central New Mexico were saturated and primed for more flash flooding. Numerous flash floods were reported across the area with the most significant flash flooding occurring in the Belen area and farther south into Socorro County. Several inches of rainfall breached a canal in Belen which flooded low-water crossings as well as numerous homes and businesses. A State of Emergency was declared in Valencia County due to the flooding.