An evacuation shelter opened in Lincoln County, New Mexico, as floodwaters moved through the Rio Bonito and Rio Hondo, closing U.S. Highway 380 and threatening downstream communities.
According to the Weather Service, U.S. 380 remained closed from mile markers 89 to 107. The agency said flooding was already occurring and could affect small creeks, streams, streets, underpasses, urban areas, and other low-lying or poorly drained locations. Hondo and Tinnie were among the communities covered by the warning.
An evacuation shelter was established at Hondo Valley Public Schools, 111 Don Pablo Lane. The warning did not specify whether a mandatory evacuation order had been issued.
According to Lincoln County Undersheriff Alex Trujillo, an additional evacuation center was operating at the Ruidoso Downs Community Center. The centers were assisting people affected by floodwaters.
The undersheriff also said additional rain was expected later Thursday evening, creating the possibility that flooding could increase through the night.
A separate flash flood warning covered southeastern Lincoln County and western Chaves County until 11:30 p.m. Gauges in Hondo showed a significant, dangerous flood wave in the Rio Hondo that was expected to affect communities downstream, including areas beyond the Chaves County line.
That warning described the flooding as life-threatening and listed Picacho and Sunset among the places expected to be affected. People near the Rio Hondo were advised to consider moving to higher ground and to remain away from riverbanks because the flood wave could develop quickly..
A flood warning for southeastern Lincoln County remained in effect until 10 p.m. Emergency management officials had reported flooding along both the Rio Bonito and Rio Hondo, while runoff from earlier rainfall continued pushing waterways higher. Tinnie, Hondo, and Sunset were included in that warning.
A flood watch also remained in effect through late Thursday night for portions of central, east-central, and southeastern New Mexico. The watch covered the south-central mountains, eastern Lincoln County, and areas in Quay, Curry, Roosevelt, De Baca and Chaves counties.
Repeated showers and thunderstorms could produce rainfall rates as high as 2 inches per hour. General rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches were expected, with isolated amounts reaching 3 inches. Saturated soil from persistent rain increased the threat of rapid runoff and flash flooding.
According to the Weather Service, drivers should not attempt to cross flooded roads because water can sweep vehicles away. Residents were urged to monitor alerts, avoid riverbanks and be ready to act if conditions worsened.
