Flash Flood Watch, Wind Advisory in Effect for El Paso Region Through Wednesday

El Paso and surrounding areas face potentially hazardous weather Tuesday night and Wednesday morning as tropical moisture from Hurricane Polo combines with an approaching Pacific trough, according to KVIA.

A Flood Watch remains in effect through 6 a.m. Wednesday for the entire region. One to two inches of rain are expected across much of southern New Mexico and far West Texas through late Tuesday night, with isolated amounts approaching three inches possible in portions of the Gila National Forest. Areas receiving repeated heavy downpours could see rapid rises in normally dry washes and arroyos.

Beyond flooding, the circulation of Polo is expected to reach far West Texas around 6 p.m. Tuesday, bringing potential wind gusts of up to 50 mph along with isolated severe thunderstorms. A Wind Advisory is in effect from 3 p.m. Tuesday through midnight for El Paso, Hudspeth and Otero counties, as well as the eastern portions of Doña Ana and Sierra counties. Residents should prepare for sudden wind gusts, blowing debris and difficult driving conditions, particularly during thunderstorms.

The wet pattern is forecast to break down overnight. By Wednesday morning, Polo's weakening circulation and the Pacific trough will help pull drier air into southern New Mexico. Rain will taper off, though a slight chance of a shower or thunderstorm will remain Wednesday. The significant flood threat is expected to end.

Weather conditions should improve substantially from Thursday through Saturday, which are expected to bring quieter conditions across the region.