New Mexico is under a statewide flood watch as officials and residents prepare for more heavy rain this week. The warning was issued because of expected showers and storms, following days of severe flooding that affected several parts of the state.
The National Weather Service has issued a statewide Flood Watch for New Mexico from Monday afternoon until Wednesday morning. Forecasters are expecting rain to continue for two days.
“We’ll have some embedded thunderstorms with this, and we’re expecting multiple rounds of precipitation with this system,” meteorologist Kirsten Folse said at a Monday briefing by the National Weather Service’s Albuquerque office. “Most areas of the state are going to feel the effects.”
In Santa Fe, the City Office of Emergency Management is working with all departments to prepare for possible flooding. They are making sure people and property are safe, food is available, emergency plans are ready, and evacuation routes are marked.
“Santa Feans can have confidence in the men and women of the City who are working around the clock to prepare, respond, and keep our community safe,” Mayor Michael Garcia said in a statement. “But extreme weather demands vigilance from all of us. I’m asking residents to stay informed, avoid flooded roads, pay attention to changing conditions and look out for their neighbors.”
Sand and sandbags are still available at four county fire stations. Residents can haul up to thirty bags of sand, provided they bring their own shovel.
Last week’s flooding devastated many parts of New Mexico and even claimed the life of a service lineman in Clovis while trying to restore power during the heavy storms.
Continued rain showers and thunderstorms increase the risks of rising creeks and overflowing rivers. This will also worsen excessive runoff, especially in already wet ground and poor-drainage areas. Wildfire burn scars will also be affected and flooded.
However, the situation will lessen as storms and rain showers are expected to slow down from Thursday through the weekend.
