Flash Flooding Hazards and Safety Flash Flood Hazards and Safety Flash floods are the number one weather related killer with around 140 deaths recorded in the U.S. each year.
Flash floods are common and frequent in New Mexico.
We have the tenth highest flash flood fatality rate in the nation. Flash floods primarily occur from June through September. Rugged and often steep terrain only sets the stage for rapid storm water runoff across the state. The biggest contributing factor is the summertime increase in thunderstorms capable of producing heavy downpours in short periods of time. Rainfall rates in New Mexico's thunderstorms can, at times, match those of much more humid environments such as southeast Texas and Florida.