Navajo Nation reports three dead in New Mexico flooding

September 17, 2026 at 05:01 AM2 min

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Three people, including a child, died after being swept away by floodwaters near Newcomb, New Mexico, early Wednesday. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren confirmed the deaths and offered condolences to the community. The National Weather Service had issued flash flood warnings for the region as heavy rains continued.

Key Facts

Two adults and a child were killed after being swept away by floodwaters near Newcomb, New Mexico, at 12:30am local time on Wednesday.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren confirmed the deaths and offered condolences to the community.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque issued a Flash Flood Watch for the western third of New Mexico and the South Central Mountains on Wednesday.
Heavy rainfall was predicted across parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah through Thursday.

The Flooding Incident

Navajo Nation police responded to reports of people being swept away by floodwater at 12:30am near the community of Newcomb in northwestern New Mexico. President Buu Nygren said two adults and a child were killed in the incident. Nygren advised residents to exercise caution in areas impacted by rainfall.

Weather Warnings

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque issued a special briefing on Tuesday warning of possible widespread thunderstorms. On Wednesday, the service repeated those warnings, noting moisture levels are expected to be at record levels for mid-September. A Flash Flood Watch was in effect for the western third of New Mexico and the South Central Mountains on Wednesday. Flash flood warnings were issued for parts of northwestern New Mexico, along with flash flood watches for large areas of central and northern Arizona.

Regional Impact

Heavy rainfall was predicted across parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah through Thursday. The deaths on Wednesday came several weeks after three hikers were swept away and dozens were rescued after heavy rainfall caused flooding at the Grand Canyon in Arizona.