Heavy rains expected this weekend. Here's what to know about the potential for flooding.

LAS CRUCES – Rain, rain and more rain is expected in southwestern New Mexico this weekend.

Several inches of rain could fall on the Black Fire burn scar, leading to particularly dangerous conditions in the eastern Gila National Forest.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for much of southern and western New Mexico between noon Friday, Aug. 19 through at least 6 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 21. The chance for heavy rain and thunderstorms during this time is 80% and 90% depending on the area.

Joe DeLizio, NWS meteorologist, said a weather system will move through southern New Mexico during the roughly 48-hour period, though chances for rain will continue to early next week. Anywhere from two to four inches could fall in Silver City, Deming, Truth or Consequences, Las Cruces and El Paso.

“It might depend on where the heaviest band of rain sets up, that might be a little bit more up in the air,” DeLizio said. “Maybe it’s over El Paso, maybe it’s over Deming, but you basically have a pretty good shot at some of those (high) totals everywhere.”

This could potentially be the wettest few days of the monsoon season this year. DeLizio said southern New Mexico and west Texas is above normal in terms of amount of precipitation received this season, though the heart of Las Cruces is closer to a normal year.

North and east of Silver City within the Gila National Forest, the Black Fire burn scar is expected to receive three or more inches of rain, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Ash from the spring-summer wildfire and already saturated soil may make for a more dangerous couple of days.

“We’re worried a little bit about the Gila River as well,” DeLizio added. “I think the river’s already running a little bit high and so … if you get all of this rain it might cause some river flooding as well.”

He suggested everyone pay attention to the weather advisories these next couple of days and try to stay away from planning outdoor activities, including hiking, especially Saturday.

Sandbags are available at fire stations and Office of Emergency Management locations. Sandbags help keep floodwaters from going into residences through doorways. The Las Cruces Fire Department suggested in a news release that people obtain sandbags only if they have experienced flooding in the past or who expect flooding this weekend.

A year ago this month, La Union and many other rural southern New Mexico communities experienced damaging floods due to monsoonal rainfall. Because of the intensity of the rain expected and the already wet conditions, people are encouraged to follow safety measures.

More:La Union flooding led to 'total rewrite' of flood preparedness plan

The Las Cruces Police Department released several safety tips for drivers traveling in the area over the next few days. These include:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during rainstorms and immediately after rainfall as roadways can be slick or, in some cases, flooded.
• Motorists should slow down and allow for more travel time when driving in wet weather.
• When coming to a stop, avoid slamming on brakes. Instead, slow down sooner and apply gentle brake pressure.
• Allow for greater distance between vehicles. Normal driving conditions recommend travelling at least two seconds behind vehicles. During wet weather and on slick roads, it is recommended to increase that distance.
• Give larger vehicles, like trucks and buses, more room for stops and turns.
• Avoid making sudden turns or lane changes.
• Drive around puddles as sitting water may be deeper than what it appears.
• Never attempt to drive through flooded arroyos or running water. Even when driving a large vehicle, like a truck or SUV, fast-moving water can easily overcome it.
• Watch for sand, rocks and debris that may have washed onto roadways.
• Drive with headlights on for safety and stay alert to surrounding traffic and changing weather conditions.
• If rain is too heavy or streets are flooded, pull over to a safe distance from the roadway – in a parking lot or away from traffic – until conditions improve.
• Get indoors when lightning is seen or when thunder is heard.
• Lightning tends to strike taller objects, so avoid open areas and keep away from tall objects in open areas.
• Stay away from tall trees, utility poles, towers and large bodies of water.
• If you’re in a group of people and unable to take shelter, have the group spread out.
• Keep away from electrical equipment, corded telephones and plumbing during a storm. Don’t swim, shower, bathe or wash dishes when lightning is nearby.
• Stay clear of and avoid downed power lines.

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Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, LRomero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter.