An otherwise benign day of isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms across New Mexico was disrupted by life threatening flash flooding over far southeastern Rio Arriba County. The necessary ingredients for back-building thunderstorms came together along the northeast slopes of the Jemez Mountains during the early afternoon. Steering flow shifted these storms eastward into the area around Hernandez, Chamita, and Alcalde where hail and torrential rainfall were reported for several hours. Emergency management estimated up to 30 homes were inundated with water and mud. Many vehicles were overturned in flood waters and at least three water rescues took place. The most significant damage occurred along highway 74 where a mobile home was washed off it's foundation over 50 feet downstream. Numerous roads were impassable. Local DOT officials said for the first time the main arroyo that crosses under U.S. Highway 285 at Hernandez topped the roadway by up to 4 inches. Locals in the area said this was the worst flood they have observed in several decades.

Hail in RIO ARRIBA, NEW MEXICO
From 22-AUG-16 12:16:00 to 22-AUG-16 12:20:00 (MST-7)
Location: ALCALDE
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Nickel size hail in Alcalde.

Flash Flood in RIO ARRIBA, NEW MEXICO
From 22-AUG-16 13:10:00 to 22-AUG-16 15:10:00 (MST-7)
Location: HERNANDEZ
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

At least three vehicles stalled in flood waters along county road 56A.

Flash Flood in RIO ARRIBA, NEW MEXICO
From 22-AUG-16 13:15:00 to 22-AUG-16 15:15:00 (MST-7)
Location: CHAMITA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Vehicle overturned on highway 74 near mile marker 2 due to flood waters. Women was rescued from vehicle by fire department.

Flash Flood in RIO ARRIBA, NEW MEXICO
From 22-AUG-16 14:00:00 to 22-AUG-16 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: LA VILLITA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Over one foot of water surrounding homes near La Villita.

Flash Flood in RIO ARRIBA, NEW MEXICO
From 22-AUG-16 14:49:00 to 22-AUG-16 16:49:00 (MST-7)
Location: HERNANDEZ
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous roadways flooded and impassable around Hernandez.

Flash Flood in RIO ARRIBA, NEW MEXICO
From 22-AUG-16 14:55:00 to 22-AUG-16 16:55:00 (MST-7)
Location: LA VILLITA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Numerous roads flooded and impassable around Alcalde.

Flash Flood in RIO ARRIBA, NEW MEXICO
From 22-AUG-16 14:50:00 to 22-AUG-16 16:50:00 (MST-7)
Location: HERNANDEZ
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Two elderly residents rescued from a mobile home that was washed off it's foundation and displaced over 50 feet downstream. Up to 30 homes inundated with water and at least 10 families displaced from flood waters. U.S. Highway 285, highway 74, and county road 57 all closed to remove mud and debris. County Road 57 washed over with mudslides from nearby mesa.

Flash Flood in RIO ARRIBA, NEW MEXICO
From 22-AUG-16 13:50:00 to 22-AUG-16 15:50:00 (MST-7)
Location: HERNANDEZ
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Water over U.S. Highway 84 in Hernandez near highway 74.