Doña Ana County issued the evacuation notice Tuesday afternoon as another round of heavy rain moved through an area already affected by recent flooding. By 7:54 p.m., closures were reported on portions of NM 185, NM 140 and NM 187.
Multiple Sources: Doña Ana County Public Safety (via Facebook)
Residents of Salem and Garfield are being encouraged to evacuate as flooding continues across northern Doña Ana County, with several state highways now closed and temporary shelters opened for residents unable to safely leave the area.
Doña Ana County issued the evacuation notice Tuesday afternoon as another round of heavy rain moved through an area already affected by recent flooding. By 7:54 p.m., closures were reported on portions of NM 185, NM 140 and NM 187.
The National Weather Service earlier Tuesday warned of life-threatening flash flooding around Salem and Garfield as thunderstorms produced rainfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour. Forecasters said significant runoff continued even after heavy rain moved away from the communities.
Roads Closed
As of the county’s 7:54 p.m. update:
NM 185 is closed in both directions from mile marker 32 at Angostura to mile marker 18, about two miles north of Radium Springs, because of standing water.
NM 140 is closed in both directions from mile marker 1, about one mile south of Rincon, to mile marker 2 at Rincon because of standing water.
NM 187 is closed in both directions from mile marker 6, about one mile north of Salem, to mile marker 8, south of Garfield. The roadway was reported impassable.
Motorists are being urged to avoid flooded and barricaded roads and seek alternate routes.
Evacuation Centers Open
Doña Ana County announced at 4:10 p.m. that residents of Salem and Garfield were encouraged to evacuate before conditions worsened.
Residents leaving the area can go to:
Radium Springs Community Center
12060 L.B. Lindbeck Road, Las Cruces
Doña Ana Community Resource Center
5745 Ledesma Drive, Las Cruces
Hatch Valley High School
170 Herrera Road, Hatch
Hatch Valley High School was opened as a temporary shelter for residents unable to evacuate south of Hatch because of weather conditions. The county said the American Red Cross was en route to assist with temporary shelter facilities at the time of the announcement.
Residents evacuating are being advised to bring medications and essential items, take pets and continue monitoring official emergency information.
The county also said U.S. Border Patrol personnel were participating in the flood response.
Conditions remain subject to rapid change as water continues moving through arroyos, low-water crossings and roadways across northern Doña Ana County.
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