CHAVES, NM — * WHAT...Arroyo and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.
* WHERE...Southwestern Chaves County in southeastern New Mexico...
* WHEN...Until 345 AM MDT.
* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Rises in small streams and normally dry arroyos. Dangerous flows over low-water crossings. Water over roadways. Overflowing poor drainage areas. Some low-water crossings may become impassable.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 1144 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms over McDonald Flat, Chiquita Creek, Rio Penasco, and Elk Canyon. This will cause arroyo and small stream flooding. Up to 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. - Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.5 inches are expected over the area. This additional rain will result in minor flooding. The potential exists for flash flooding to develop. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Elk. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flooding in Chaves, 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