This fast-growing unincorporated community in Doña Ana County nearly doubled in population between 2000 and 2020, reaching about 5,000 residents in roughly 1,900 homes. It sits at around 3,937 feet, closer to El Paso than to Las Cruces, alongside the Santa Teresa Port of Entry, the county's International Jetport and a large rail park.
Fire & Water Energy is a referral service; the work itself is done by others. Dial (866) 937-3230 and we'll try to arrange a conversation with an independent restoration contractor serving Santa Teresa and Sunland Park. Availability depends on local businesses. The steps after your call are laid out on our how it works page.
Desert downpours, rare snow and four federal declarations
NWS El Paso keeps local records, and its heaviest two-day rain totals for Santa Teresa all fall in July or August: 4.60 inches on August 13–14, 2021, 3.94 inches on July 31–August 1, 2006, and 3.58 inches on July 10–11, 2015. Snow is unusual, but 10.4 inches fell on December 26–27, 2015.
FEMA has named Doña Ana County in four major disaster declarations since 2000: a severe forest fire in 2000 (DR-1329), severe storms and flooding in 2006 (DR-1659), severe storms, flooding and mudslides in 2013 (DR-4152), and severe storms, flooding and landslides in 2025 (DR-4886). Those apply to the whole county rather than to particular streets.
Leaks, roof failures and AC overflow in newer homes
Much of the housing here was added during the growth of the 2000s and 2010s. In newer homes, water damage often comes from failed appliance hoses, water heater leaks, clogged air-conditioner condensate lines and roof or stucco penetrations that let in wind-driven monsoon rain. A heavy storm on hard desert ground can also send runoff toward doors and garages.
For water damage restoration in Santa Teresa, a reputable contractor will typically stop the source, use water extraction equipment, take moisture readings behind walls and under flooring, and run drying gear before any rebuild. Stained ceilings after a storm are covered on our ceiling water damage repair page.
Federal disaster declarations that included Doña Ana County
FEMA records show Doña Ana County was included in 4 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (2 flood, 1 severe storm, 1 fire, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Santa Teresa was affected. The most recent:
- 2025 – Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides (DR-4886)
- 2013 – Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides (DR-4152)
- 2006 – Severe Storms and Flooding (DR-1659)
- 2000 – Severe Forest Fire (DR-1329)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, retrieved 2026-10-10. Counts include major disaster (DR) declarations with hurricane, flood, severe storm, tropical storm, fire, tornado, coastal storm, winter or ice storm, mudslide and dam/levee incident types.
Water, fire or storm damage in Santa Teresa?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Santa Teresa property.
Smoke and fire cleanup in a growing desert community
The county's 2000 forest fire declaration shows wildfire is part of the regional record, and smoke from distant fires can drift across open desert into homes. Household fires leave soot on every surface, odor in fabrics and insulation, and water damage from extinguishing efforts.
Contractors commonly secure the structure, remove charred materials, clean contents and walls, and treat odor. Odor that clings to closets and vents after a nearby blaze is covered under smoke odor removal, and structural work under fire damage restoration.
Flash flood and monsoon storm cleanup
Three of the county's four declarations since 2000 involved severe storms and flooding, and the most recent, in 2025, added landslides. Short, intense storms can overwhelm drainage, pushing water and sand under doors, into garages and against block walls.
Treat floodwater from streets or yards as contaminated. Flood cleanup generally covers pumping, sediment removal, cutting out soaked drywall and insulation, sanitizing and drying. Torn shingles, blown-off flashing and yard debris after a strong cell are a job for storm damage cleanup.
Hidden mold after summer leaks
Dry air speeds evaporation from open surfaces, but water that soaks into insulation, carpet pad or the bottom of cabinets can stay wet long enough for mold to grow, particularly during the humid stretch of the monsoon.
EPA guidance considers areas under roughly 10 square feet a reasonable homeowner job with gloves, goggles and a mask. Larger or repeated growth, or mold from sewage backup, points toward mold remediation.
Santa Teresa household safety steps
- Call 911 and leave immediately for fire, gas odor, injuries or sagging ceilings.
- Watch forecasts and warnings from the National Weather Service El Paso office during monsoon season.
- Never drive or walk through flowing water on roads.
- Shut off water and power only where you can do so while staying dry.
- Document everything with photos; ask your agent what your policy includes before signing contracts.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Santa Teresa):
- Sunland Park · 5 mi
- Anthony · 10 mi
- El Paso, TX · 11 mi
- Chaparral · 19 mi
- Socorro, TX · 24 mi
- Mesilla · 30 mi
Santa Teresa restoration FAQs
When is heavy rain most likely in Santa Teresa?
Summer. All five of the largest two-day rain totals in the NWS El Paso records for Santa Teresa happened in July or August, topped by 4.60 inches in August 2021.
Does Santa Teresa ever get enough snow to cause problems?
Rarely, but it happens. NWS records show 10.4 inches on December 26–27, 2015, and 4.4 inches on February 14, 2021. Cold snaps like those can also stress exposed pipes.
What was the 2025 disaster declaration for Doña Ana County?
FEMA declaration DR-4886 covered severe storms, flooding and landslides in 2025. It applied to the county overall, so check county and NWS updates for how specific areas were affected.
Do you take calls from Sunland Park and Anthony?
Yes. Calls from Sunland Park, Anthony, Chaparral and other nearby communities are welcome. Whether an independent contractor is available depends on who serves your address.
Restoration guides
- Water Damage Restoration
- Water Extraction
- Ceiling Water Damage Repair
- Flood Cleanup
- Storm Damage Cleanup
- Mold Remediation