Key facts
- Alert
- Flash Flood Warning (severe)
- Issued by
- National Weather Service, El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
- Areas
- Otero, NM
- Places
- Mescalero, Sunspot, Burro Flats, Bent, High Rolls, Mountain Park, La Luz, Upper Nogal Canyon, Lower Nogal Canyon, Karr Canyon, Benson Ridge
- In effect
- until 9:00 PM MDT, Oct 23, 2026
- Detection
- Radar indicated
What the National Weather Service says
“Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM, Flash Flood Warning, 7:06 PM MDT Oct 23, 2026 · official alert
“Remain alert for flooding even in locations not receiving rain.”
NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM, Flash Flood Warning, 7:06 PM MDT Oct 23, 2026 · official alert
“Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.”
NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM, Flash Flood Warning, 7:06 PM MDT Oct 23, 2026 · official alert
What to do
Do not drive into flooded roads. Turn around and find another route. The National Weather Service says most flood deaths occur in vehicles, and just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down.
Move to higher ground if you are near a creek, stream, arroyo or low-lying area. Stay away from underpasses and poor drainage areas. Never drive around barricades.
Stay alert even where it is not raining. Arroyos, streams and rivers can rise within minutes from rainfall far away.
If you can do so safely, report flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement so they can pass it on to the National Weather Service.
Context
FEMA flood-insurance records show 130 claims in Otero County between 1983 and 2025. That count covers only insured properties, so it does not capture all flood damage.
FEMA has made several disaster declarations for the county involving storms and flooding, including one on July 22, 2025 for severe storms, flooding, and landslides, and one on June 20, 2024 for the South Fork Fire, Salt Fire, and flooding.
Updates
- The flash flood warning expired at 9:00 PM MDT.
- NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM issued the flash flood warning until 9:00 PM MDT.
History here
Otero County: 130 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 1983, most recent 2025.
Otero County: recent federal disaster declarations
- DR-4886 (2025): severe storms, flooding, and landslides
- DR-4795 (2024): south fork fire, salt fire, and flooding
- DR-4199 (2014): severe storms and flooding
- DR-4197 (2014): severe storms and flooding
- DR-4152 (2013): severe storms, flooding, and mudslides
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Questions
- Is there a flash flood warning in Otero County, New Mexico?
- Yes. The National Weather Service in El Paso issued a Flash Flood Warning for north central Otero County at 7:06 PM MDT. It lasts until 9:00 PM MDT on October 23, 2026.
- Which places are affected by the Otero County flash flood warning?
- Places named include Mescalero, Sunspot, Burro Flats, Bent, High Rolls, Mountain Park, La Luz, Upper Nogal Canyon, Lower Nogal Canyon, Karr Canyon and Benson Ridge.
- How much rain has fallen in the warned area?
- Doppler radar indicated up to 1.5 inches of rain had fallen at 7:06 PM MDT. The National Weather Service said up to 0.1 inches more was possible in the warned area.
Sources
- NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM: Flash Flood Warning, Oct 23, 2026 weather.gov
- FEMA OpenFEMA: NFIP claims and disaster declarations fema.gov
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