New Mexico seeks federal emergency after record San Juan River flooding, United States
New Mexico requested a federal emergency declaration on October 24, 2026, after record San Juan River flooding prompted hundreds of water rescues and affected communities around Farmington and Bloomfield. The request covered four counties and five Tribal nations, seeking assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures. The San Juan River at Farmington reached 4.3 m (14.1 feet) on October 23, breaking its previous record of 3.75 m (12.3 feet) set in September 1909. The gauge subsequently stopped operating, leaving the final crest unconfirmed. Hundreds of water rescues were reported between Farmington and Bloomfield as flooding affected nearby communities.
Tornado damage in Santa Fe, New Mexico on October 24, 2026. Credit: City of Santa fe
Record flooding along the San Juan River prompted hundreds of reported water rescues between Farmington and Bloomfield, New Mexico, by October 24, 2026. The Farmington gauge had risen above its previously listed 1909 crest on October 23 before it stopped operating.
The National Weather Service (NWS) recorded a river stage of 4.3 m (14.1 feet) at Farmington at 11:00 MDT (17:00 UTC) on October 23. That exceeded the previously listed crest of 3.75 m (12.3 feet) from September 6, 1909, and the local flood stage of 2.6 m (8.5 feet).
In a bulletin issued that evening, NWS called the event the “flood of record” and said the gauge had stopped operating after the 11:00 observation. The bulletin did not establish a measured final crest.
By 11:31 MDT (17:31 UTC) on October 25, NWS described flooding at Farmington as minor rather than major. The bulletin said current observations were unavailable and forecast further declines during the afternoon.
Fire Chief David Vega said rescue operations had ended, and crews were checking homes for hazards at the county’s October 25 briefing. Officials warned evacuees not to return while contaminated floodwater, damaged power lines and possible gas leaks remained a concern.
The Governor’s Office said on October 24 that law enforcement had reported hundreds of water rescues between Farmington and Bloomfield. San Juan County Undersheriff Cory Tanner said that no injuries had been reported as of October 25.
About 58 New Mexico National Guard personnel were deployed to San Juan County on October 23 and 24, including swift-water rescue teams. The State Emergency Operations Center coordinated federal, local, and Tribal partners. State Police and a Texas mutual-aid team also supported the response, according to the Governor’s Office.
Floodwaters reached Bloomfield’s Water Reclamation Facility, allowing untreated wastewater into the San Juan River. Bloomfield officials asked residents to reduce water use during the disruption, while county officials subsequently warned that contaminated water and mud remained hazardous.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham requested a federal Emergency Declaration on October 24, her office said in an October 25 update. The request covered San Juan, Rio Arriba, Cibola and Sandoval counties and five Tribal nations, seeking assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures.
The Governor’s Office also announced a planned October 26 visit to affected communities with New Mexico National Guard leadership as initial damage assessments continued.
A separate tornado struck south-central Santa Fe at approximately 19:00 MDT on October 24 (01:00 UTC on October 25). An NWS survey traced a path about 2.3 km (1.4 miles) long from the Via Caballero neighborhood north toward the College of Santa Fe.
The survey documented damaged roofs, broken power poles, and damaged or uprooted trees, with 10 homes affected. Much of the damage was along Rancho Siringo and Camino Chueco roads. NWS assigned a preliminary EF1 rating in its report issued at 01:02 UTC on October 26.
Santa Fe lifted its citywide shelter-in-place advisory at 23:00 MDT on October 24 (05:00 UTC on October 25), while asking residents to avoid storm-damaged areas and keep roads clear for emergency crews.
References:
1 Historic flooding hits San Juan County as National Guard, State Police carry out rescues – Office of the Governor of New Mexico – October 24, 2026
2 San Juan County warns evacuees not to return as floodwaters recede – Navajo Times – October 26, 2026
3 Severe weather alert: tornado damage – City of Santa Fe – October 24, 2026
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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