Monsoon flooding swamps Gallup streets, closes roads

Posted by Navajo Times | Jul 19, 2026 | Community |

WINDOW ROCK

Heavy monsoon thunderstorms flooded Gallup streets and some homes Thursday evening, July 16, stranding vehicles and closing roads in southwestern McKinley County.

Floodwater covered intersections, residential streets and parking lots in Gallup. Several vehicles stalled or were partially submerged as muddy runoff moved through the city.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning after Doppler radar detected thunderstorms producing heavy rain. The agency issued a flood warning later that evening as water continued to flow after the heaviest rain ended.

The Gallup Police Department advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel as conditions worsened.

“Certain roadways may be unsafe for travel, and in areas where debris has accumulated on the roads, we strongly advise against driving unless absolutely essential,” according to a social media post from the department.

Police also warned residents to stay away from arroyos and drainage ditches because of the danger of flash flooding.

The National Weather Service estimated that 0.5 to 2 inches of rain fell in southwestern McKinley County.

Fast-moving water from Oak Wash flowed over Old Gallup Road, Lakeside Drive and Sandy Springs Road. Residents near Old Gallup Road needed sandbags.

Floodwater moved farther into Zuni Pueblo toward New Mexico Highway 53 but had not reached the highway. Numerous roads were closed, and low-water crossings were underwater and potentially impassable.

The warning included Zuni Pueblo, Black Rock, Ramah, Pescado and Chichiltah.

Flooding continued after the rain ended. Law enforcement officers advised residents to stay away from flooded areas.

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