Las Vegas, N.M., hit by flooding; evacuation of some areas takes place

Journal Staff Report, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·2 min read

Jun. 21—"Widespread flash flooding" was taking place throughout Las Vegas, officials in the northern New Mexico city reported late Friday, prompting evacuations in certain areas.

"If you do not have to be out on the roadways this evening, please STAY HOME," the city urged in its Facebook post.

The city said there are mandatory evacuations of the following areas: N.M. 65 from Mile Marker 4, south along Hot Springs Blvd.; the entire Los Vigiles area; Fountain Drive; Willow Lane; Stella Lane; Lucille Drive; El Llano Road; and Cinder Road to Mills Avenue.

"Please prepare for overnight accommodations," the city said. "We will provide updates for time of return when it is safe to do so."

The National Weather Service said a flash flood warning for the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire burn scar in northwestern San Miguel County remained in effect until midnight.

"Between 1 and 4 inches of rain have fallen," the Weather Service said around 10 p.m. "Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.60 inches are possible in the warned area over the next hour."

The city of Las Vegas said two shelters were opened as road closures affected travel through the city. For those on the west side of Las Vegas, a shelter was set up at the Las Vegas Senior Center, 500 Sabino Street, while on the east side, one was set up at the Abe Montoya Recreation Center, 1751 North Grand Avenue. (The east side shelter had initially been set up at McFarland Hall.)

City officials also said "rumors circulating on social media" that the city's dams have broken are false.

"The City of Las Vegas water dams are currently intact," the city said. "Evacuations have been issued as a precautionary measure. No boil advisories are necessary at this time."