LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14 / CBS4) — The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) has activated the State Emergency Operation center in anticipation of flash flooding.
As rains fall in Las Cruces, the National Weather Service in Albuquerque is forecasting that an increasing flash flood risk and heavy rainfall is set to begin on Tuesday and last through Thursday.
Burn scars in areas that were previously scorched by wildfires are at a high or very high chance of flooding, according to the office of Gov. Michelle Lujan Gisham.
“Sudden, heavy rainfall can become dangerous – especially in burn scar areas – so we’re putting resources in place to respond to any flash flooding emergencies quickly and effectively,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, Adjutant General of the NM National Guard and interim Cabinet secretary of DHSEM.
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DHSEM encourages residents to stay informed, pay attention to emergency alerts, and take steps to stay safe from flooding, including:
If told to evacuate, do so immediately.If you are not told to evacuate, shelter in place. Get to the highest point of your home or the building you are in.Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!Never drive around barricades.Listen to Emergency Alert System, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.Avoid camping or other outdoor activities.Stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
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