Key facts
- Alert
- Flash Flood Warning (severe)
- Issued by
- National Weather Service, Albuquerque NM
- Areas
- Cibola, NM; McKinley, NM
- Places
- Laguna Pueblo, Skyline-Ganipa, Acoma Pueblo, San Fidel, Cubero, McCartys, New Laguna, Cebolletita, San Mateo
- In effect
- until 9:00 PM MDT, Oct 24, 2026
- Damage threat
- Considerable
- Detection
- Observed
What the National Weather Service says
“Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.”
NWS Albuquerque NM, Flash Flood Warning, 6:53 PM MDT Oct 24, 2026 · official alert
“This includes Interstate 40 between Mile Markers 92 and 114.”
NWS Albuquerque NM, Flash Flood Warning, 6:53 PM MDT Oct 24, 2026 · official alert
“Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads.”
NWS Albuquerque NM, Flash Flood Warning, 6:53 PM MDT Oct 24, 2026 · official alert
What to do
Stay away from flooded roads. Do not drive through water covering a road, and do not drive around barricades. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles, according to the National Weather Service.
If you are near Interstate 40 between Mile Markers 92 and 114, be aware the warning covers that stretch. Find an alternate route if water is on the road.
Be careful near creeks, streams, underpasses and low water crossings, which are especially dangerous in heavy rain. Move to higher ground if water is rising near you.
Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 1 foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
Context
The warning covers Cibola and McKinley counties. FEMA flood-insurance records show 28 claims in Cibola County between 1978 and 2024 and 20 in McKinley County between 1980 and 2026. These counts include only insured properties, so they likely understate total flood impacts.
Both counties have been part of past FEMA disaster declarations involving flooding or severe storms, including declaration 4152 on October 29, 2013, for severe storms, flooding, and mudslides.
Updates
- The flash flood warning expired at 9:00 PM MDT.
- The National Weather Service extended the flash flood warning until 9:00 PM MDT.
- The National Weather Service updated the flash flood warning; it remains in effect until 7:00 PM MDT.
- The National Weather Service updated the flash flood warning; it remains in effect until 7:00 PM MDT.
- The National Weather Service extended the flash flood warning until 7:00 PM MDT.
- The National Weather Service updated the flash flood warning; it remains in effect until 5:00 PM MDT.
- NWS Albuquerque NM issued the flash flood warning until 5:00 PM MDT.
History here
Cibola County: 28 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 1978, most recent 2024.
Cibola County: recent federal disaster declarations
- DR-4152 (2013): severe storms, flooding, and mudslides
- DR-4047 (2011): flooding
- DR-1936 (2010): severe storms and flooding
- DR-1659 (2006): severe storms and flooding
McKinley County: 20 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 1980, most recent 2026.
McKinley County: recent federal disaster declarations
- DR-4152 (2013): severe storms, flooding, and mudslides
- DR-1936 (2010): severe storms and flooding
- DR-1659 (2006): severe storms and flooding
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Questions
- Is there a flash flood warning in Cibola County, New Mexico?
- Yes. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque issued a Flash Flood Warning for eastern Cibola County and east central McKinley County at 1:01 PM MDT. It lasts until 5:00 PM MDT on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
- Which places are affected by the flash flood warning?
- The National Weather Service lists Laguna Pueblo, Skyline-Ganipa, Acoma Pueblo, San Fidel, Cubero, McCartys, New Laguna, Cebolletita and San Mateo. The warning also includes Interstate 40 between Mile Markers 92 and 114.
- How much rain has fallen and how much more is possible?
- Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms with heavy rain, and up to 1 inch has fallen. The National Weather Service says up to 1 inch more is possible in the warned area.
Sources
- NWS Albuquerque NM: Flash Flood Warning, Oct 24, 2026 weather.gov
- FEMA OpenFEMA: NFIP claims and disaster declarations fema.gov
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