Flooding was a possibility as Eddy County was forecast to receive monsoon rains through early next week.
With a 50% to 80% chance of rain forecast in the region, the Midland/Odessa station of the National Weather Service (NWS) said localized flooding could result from the increased rain.
Scattered thunderstorms were forecast for Friday night, as an 80% chance of precipitation Saturday could mean up to half an inch of rain in Carlsbad.
This trend could continue into Thursday of next week, with storms expected every day until then.
Eddy County Emergency Manager Jennifer Armendariz said her department has been in close contact with the NWS in preparation for any flooding event in Carlsbad.
“We’re looking at Dark Canyon really closely just because the Guadalupe (Mountains National Park) look like they’ve climbed a lot there,” Armendariz said.
Armendariz said whenever there is a possibility of flash flooding, the County’s water rescue team is on standby, along with additional emergency crews.
The public is reminded that instead of attempting to cross flooded roads, motorists and pedestrians should turn back.
Sand is available at Eddy County volunteer fire stations to fill sandbags.
Updates on county road closures can be found by visiting www.co.eddy.nm.us or nmroads.com.
In a news release Friday, the National Weather Service issued a dire warning for other states in the Southwest, including Arizona, Utah, Colorado and Texas, as storms reacting to tropical moisture created a chance for flash flooding. .
“This part of the country just can’t handle rain at this rate,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Courtney Travis.
Some tips for staying safe in hazardous weather.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during storms and immediately after rainfall as roads may be slick or, in some cases, flooded.
- Drivers should slow down and allow more travel time when driving in wet weather.
- When stopping, avoid slamming the brakes. Instead, slow down more quickly and apply gentle braking pressure.
- Allow more distance between vehicles. Normal driving conditions recommend traveling at least two seconds behind vehicles. During wet weather and on slippery roads, it is recommended to increase this distance.
- Give larger vehicles, such as trucks and buses, more room for stops and turns.
- Avoid sudden turns or lane changes.
- Drive through puddles as standing water can be deeper than it looks.
- Never attempt to drive through flooded arroyos or running water. Even when driving a large vehicle, such as a truck or SUV, fast-moving water can easily overtake it.
- Watch out for sand, rocks and debris that may be packed into the road.
- Drive with your headlights on for safety and stay alert to surrounding traffic and changing weather conditions.
- If the rain is heavy or the roads are flooded, pull over to a safe distance from the road – in a parking lot or away from traffic – until conditions improve.
- Go inside when lightning is seen or thunder is heard.
- Lightning tends to strike taller objects, so avoid open areas and stay away from tall objects in open areas.
- Stay away from tall trees, utility poles, towers and large bodies of water.
- If you are in a group of people and are unable to shelter, break up the group.
- Keep away from electrical appliances, corded telephones and plumbing during a storm. Do not swim, shower, bathe or wash dishes when lightning is nearby.
- Stay away from and avoid downed power lines.
Jessica Onsurez can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @JussGREAT.
