Flash Flood Risks Emerge in Southwest Due to Moisture from Hurricane Lorena
El Paso, Texas – This weekend, tropical moisture from the active Pacific Basin is set to heighten the risk of flash floods in Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States.
The remnants of Hurricane Lorena are directing plumes of tropical moisture northeast into southern Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas without actually making landfall in either country.
Videos circulating on social media captured a strong thunderstorm sweeping through Yuma, Arizona late Thursday night.
Forecast models suggest rain amounts could reach up to 1 or 2 inches, especially with contributions from the seasonal Southwest monsoon and frontal systems enhancing overall precipitation.
The National Weather Service has already issued flash flood watches stretching from Southern California through Arizona and New Mexico, with potential for those warnings to extend into Texas as the moisture-laden system moves further east.
Severe downpours can quickly lead to overwhelmed drainage systems and creeks, which poses a serious risk for flash floods.
According to NOAA’s Weather Forecast Center, a significant area in Texas is under watch for flooding from late Sunday into Monday.
This region has been categorized at level 3 for potential excessive rainfall, warning of possible flash flood conditions.
Forecasts indicate the heaviest rainfall could occur southwest of the area where tragic flooding claimed the lives of at least 135 individuals in Texas Hill Country back in July.
NWS officials note that just 6 inches of rushing water is enough to sweep an adult off their feet and can carry most vehicles away.
Interestingly, flooding is exacerbated in places where drought conditions have hardened the soil, limiting its ability to absorb water, especially in urban areas where pavement and infrastructure further restrict natural drainage.
While rainfall could be a blessing in drought-stricken regions, the combination of tropical moisture and ongoing rainy season may lead to overwhelming amounts of rain.
