The National Weather Service says a strong weather system is expected to bring heavy thunderstorms to western New Mexico and flash flooding is possible.
The system is moving into the state after hammering much of Arizona early Thursday. It is expected to reach the state Thursday afternoon and bring the heaviest rain to western parts of the state. Up to 3 inches of rain could fall per hour from some of the heaviest storm cells.
A flash flood watch has been issued for most areas west of the Rio Grande Valley and the mountains of Lincoln County. Such warnings mean flooding is possible but not imminent.
Areas below forests burned in recent fires are most prone to major flooding. Drivers should avoid washes and arroyos when storms are nearby.