The McKinley County Office of Emergency Management issued a flood warning for parts of McKinley and Cibola counties on Sept. 17. The warning was announced at 12:15 pm and will last until 3:15 pm.
Trained weather spotters reported heavy rain and thunderstorms in the reported areas. The rain will cause arroyo and small stream flooding. So far, between half an inch and a full inch of rain has fallen some areas.
The locations that may experience flooding include Thoreau, Bluewater Lake, Bluewater Lake State Park, and Prewitt. Insterate 40 between mile markers 53 and 74 may also see flooding.
Drivers are being asked to take precautions, and turn around when they see flooded roads. Most deaths related to flooding occur in vehicles.
The Office of Emergency Management is asking people not to camp along streams and rivers. Remain alert when hiking in steep and narrow canyons. Hikers should know their surroundings in relation to low spots and drainages.
During flooding, ditches can be deadly. A gentle flow of water can turn into a raging current within minutes.
