SOCORRO, NM — ...Forecast flooding changed from Minor to Moderate severity for the following rivers in New Mexico...
Rio Puerco Near Bernardo affecting Socorro County.
* WHAT...Moderate flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast.
* WHERE...Rio Puerco near Bernardo.
* WHEN...Until late Thursday night.
* IMPACTS...At 24.0 feet, old Highway 60 bridge is overtopped. At 23.0 feet, streets in the village of San Francisco between interstate 25 and the Rio Grande just south of Bernardo are being flooded. Water levels in the Lower Rio Puerco have not been this high since July of 1944. The nearby railroad bridge may also be flooded. Further rises will impact Interstate 25 traffic.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 4:00 PM MDT Monday the stage was 24.3 feet. - Bankfull stage is 18.0 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 4:00 PM MDT Monday was 24.3 feet. - Forecast...The river will rise to 25.3 feet just after midnight tonight. It will then fall early Wednesday afternoon to near 20.2 feet. It will again rise to 21.6 feet Thursday morning. It will then fall below flood stage early Thursday afternoon to 12.1 feet Friday evening. It will then rise again but remain below flood stage. - Flood stage is 19.5 feet. - Flood History...No available flood history. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flooding in Socorro, NM can cut off roads with little warning, damage homes near low-lying areas, and disrupt power and water service. Even a few inches of moving water can carry away a vehicle.
This report is based on information from NWS, monitored by Alert USA's verified emergency feed.
Alert USA anticipates a high chance of travel disruptions, elevated property risk in low-lying areas, and possible power outages while the event is active.
Recommended steps: avoid flooded roads — turn around, don't drown; move to higher ground if you are in a low-lying area; charge phones and prepare for power loss; check on family and neighbors.
Alert USA is tracking this flood event and will update this report as verified information becomes available.
Verified by Alert USA • NWS