New Mexico Endures Severe Floods: Mandatory Evacuations Ordered

Heavy rain in New Mexico has led to flash floods, prompting mandatory evacuations in various areas including Las Vegas and near Albuquerque. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency. Shelters have been set up for displaced residents, and city officials are actively managing the situation.

Heavy rain and flash flood warnings in New Mexico have led officials to order mandatory evacuations, with shelters established for displaced residents.

The National Weather Service office declared a flash flood emergency from Friday night through early Saturday, specifically impacting Las Vegas, New Mexico, and nearby communities.

By late Friday, up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) of rain had already fallen, with an additional 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) expected overnight, according to the weather service.

Significant flash flooding resulted in multiple road closures on the north and west sides of Las Vegas.

Municipal authorities in Las Vegas announced mandatory evacuations via social media, advising residents to prepare for overnight accommodations. Shelters have been established on both the west and east sides of the city.

City officials urged residents to limit non-essential water use and dispelled online rumors about the city's water dams being compromised, clarifying that the dams "are currently intact."

Earlier this week, wildfires in New Mexico claimed at least two lives and forced thousands to evacuate. The South Fork and Salt fires in the south-central part of the state destroyed or damaged around 1,400 structures. Disaster area inspections are planned by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)