Breaking: Flood Threat Returns as Doña Ana County Makes Sandbags Available

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch from noon Monday through late Tuesday night for Doña Ana County and much of southwestern and south-central New Mexico.

Source: Doña Ana County Public Safety (via Facebook)
Images: Courtesy

LAS CRUCES – Doña Ana County is again making sandbags available as another round of potentially heavy rain moves into southern New Mexico, where saturated soils from last week’s storms could increase the risk of flooding.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch from noon Monday through late Tuesday night for Doña Ana County and much of southwestern and south-central New Mexico.

Tropical moisture moving north ahead of the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Polo is expected to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms Monday and Tuesday. The Weather Service said high rainfall rates and repeated rounds of rain could produce totals of up to four inches in some locations.

Last week’s heavy rainfall has left soils saturated, increasing the potential for runoff and extending the flood threat into Wednesday morning. Rivers, arroyos, streams, low-lying areas and low-water crossings could be affected.

Sandbags Available Across Doña Ana County

Doña Ana County residents can pick up as many as 10 unfilled sandbags at several fire stations:

• Station 7 – Moongate, 6900 Moongate Road
• Station 11 – Doña Ana, 601 Doña Ana School Road
• Station 17 – NMSU, 1510 Wells Street
• Station 31 – Rincon, 255 Harlins Street
• Station 41 – La Mesa, 15765 Highway 28
• Station 42 – Anthony, 3230 Anthony Drive
• Chaparral station, 500 E. Lisa Drive
• Jetport station, 8014 Airport Road

The County recommends filling bags one-half to two-thirds full with sand and placing them in front of doors, low windows and other low entry points where water could enter a home.

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Strong Winds Follow the Rain

The unsettled weather will also bring another hazard Tuesday.

A Wind Advisory is in effect from noon Tuesday through 9 a.m. Wednesday for the Mesilla Valley and surrounding areas. Southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected, with gusts reaching 55 mph.

The Weather Service said the winds could bring down tree limbs, cause scattered power outages and make travel difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles. Residents are advised to secure outdoor objects.

The Flood Watch includes Las Cruces, Sunland Park, Vado and Chaparral, as well as communities throughout Doña Ana and neighboring counties.