The upper level high was positioned from northern Arizona southeast across west central New Mexico. A backdoor cold front that made its way into the state the previous night was the main focus for thunderstorm development.  Abundant low and mid level monsoonal moisture and instability with precipitable water values of 100 to 125 percent of normal further enhanced convective activity. Locally heavy rainfall was observed with radar estimated rainfall rates up to 5 inches per hour. Numerous locations within Sandoval and Santa Fe counties reported strong gusty winds, large hail, and flash flooding.  The New Mexico Rail Runner was stranded near Pena Blanca as significant flash flooding developed beneath a rail bridge and within nearby low lying areas. This event garnered significant local media and social media attention.

Thunderstorm Wind in SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
From 16-AUG-12 17:36:00 to 16-AUG-12 17:45:00 (MST-7)
Location: EDGEWOOD
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

A seven inch diameter tree limb knocked down 6 miles north of Edgewood.

Flash Flood in SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
From 16-AUG-12 18:35:00 to 16-AUG-12 19:35:00 (MST-7)
Location: EDGEWOOD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Hwy 344 just north of Frost Rd was under 3-4 feet of fast-moving water. At least one vehicle was trapped that required local fire department assistance.

Flash Flood in SANDOVAL, NEW MEXICO
From 16-AUG-12 19:20:00 to 16-AUG-12 20:27:00 (MST-7)
Location: SANDIA PUEBLO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Water and debris significantly impacted State Road 313 near Sandia Wash a few miles north of Sandia Pueblo.

Thunderstorm Wind in SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
From 16-AUG-12 16:35:00 to 16-AUG-12 16:45:00 (MST-7)
Location: MADRID
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A slow-moving thunderstorm produced a major downpour and wind gusts estimated near 60 mph. Reduced visibilities in blowing dust were also observed.

Flash Flood in SANDOVAL, NEW MEXICO
From 16-AUG-12 17:00:00 to 16-AUG-12 19:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: DOMINGO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The New Mexico Rail Runner suspended operations around 6pm as a southbound train was stranded near Pena Blanca due to flash flooding beneath a large rail bridge.  There was significant flash flooding observed in nearby low lying areas along the rail tracks.  This event garnered significant local media attention and numerous You Tube videos were posted capturing the dramatic flooding around the area.

Thunderstorm Wind in SANDOVAL, NEW MEXICO
From 16-AUG-12 16:35:00 to 16-AUG-12 16:45:00 (MST-7)
Location: SAN FELIPE PUEBLO
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Severe wind gusts were estimated up to 60 mph.  Traffic flow was significantly impacted along Interstate 25 as visibilities were dramatically reduced.

Hail in SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
From 16-AUG-12 17:09:00 to 16-AUG-12 17:10:00 (MST-7)
Location: GOLDEN
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Quarter size hail reported in Golden.

Hail in SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
From 16-AUG-12 17:36:00 to 16-AUG-12 17:40:00 (MST-7)
Location: EDGEWOOD
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Golfball sized hail stones were reported 6 miles north of Edgewood.