Flood watch in effect until midnight Friday

RIO RANCHO — The Albuquerque National Weather Service announced that a flood watch will remain in effect until 12 a.m. Friday night.

"Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible," the warning states.

The warning adds that excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris.

"Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are forecast late today and this evening as a disturbance crosses. Stronger storms will be capable of producing heavy rainfall at rates over 1-2 inches per hour. Recent burn scars, urban areas, canyons, arroyos, and other low lying areas have the greatest risk of flash flooding. Flood waters in arroyos may travel miles to reach your location, so stay out!," it reads.

It advised people to monitor forecasts and take action of necessary.

"Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles," it warned.

Rain is expected to continue in Rio Rancho from Friday night to Saturday night.

Forecast

This Afternoon

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly after midnight. Low around 59. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming north in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday

Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 3pm. High near 75. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night

Isolated showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.