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Heavy Rainfall is expected this weekend. The city of Alamogordo has begun taking steps of mitigation after previous flooding.
Public Works Director, Nancy Beshaler reports; “The city understands the impact that flash flooding can have. We contracted La Luz Dirt and Paving to clean the culverts at the intersection of N. Scenic Drive and N. Florida Avenue.
The contractor understood the urgency of this work, got in there, and restored the drainage capacity at this intersection.
This effort should help mitigate potential flooding in this area. Crews will also be working on a few of our detention basins and additional culverts on the north end of town.”
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for much of southern and western New Mexico between noon Friday, Aug. 19 through at least 6 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 21.
The chance for heavy rain and thunderstorms during this time is 80% and 90% depending on the area.
Joe DeLizio, NWS meteorologist, said a weather system will move through southern New Mexico during the roughly 48-hour period, though chances for rain will continue to early next week.
This could potentially be the wettest few days of the monsoon season this year. DeLizio said southern New Mexico and west Texas is above normal in terms of amount of precipitation received this season.
Some safety tips for drivers traveling in the area over the next few days. These include:
- Avoid unnecessary travel during rainstorms and immediately after rainfall as roadways can be slick or, in some cases, flooded.
- Motorists should slow down and allow for more travel time when driving in wet weather.
- When coming to a stop, avoid slamming on brakes. Instead, slow down sooner and apply gentle brake pressure.
- Allow for greater distance between vehicles. Normal driving conditions recommend travelling at least two seconds behind vehicles. During wet weather and on slick roads, it is recommended to increase that distance.
- Give larger vehicles, like trucks and buses, more room for stops and turns.
- Avoid making sudden turns or lane changes.
- Drive around puddles as sitting water may be deeper than what it appears.
- Never attempt to drive through flooded arroyos or running water. Even when driving a large vehicle, like a truck or SUV, fast-moving water can easily overcome it.
- Watch for sand, rocks and debris that may have washed onto roadways.
- Drive with headlights on for safety and stay alert to surrounding traffic and changing weather conditions.
- If rain is too heavy or streets are flooded, pull over to a safe distance from the roadway – in a parking lot or away from traffic – until conditions improve.
- Get indoors when lightning is seen or when thunder is heard.
- Lightning tends to strike taller objects, so avoid open areas and keep away from tall objects in open areas.
- Stay away from tall trees, utility poles, towers and large bodies of water.
- If you’re in a group of people and unable to take shelter, have the group spread out.
- Keep away from electrical equipment, corded telephones and plumbing during a storm. Don’t swim, shower, bathe or wash dishes when lightning is nearby.
- Stay clear of and avoid downed power lines.
Events for this weekend are still scheduled as of this morning. Friday night’s performance of Sage Gentlewing at Roadrunner Emporium, 928 New York Avenue, Alamogordo is a go inside the Emporium around the historic safes at 6 pm this evening. Other events at Otero Arts and beyond to include Granada Centers Grand opening of Diana Sills Art studio tomorrow at 9 am are still a planned go.
