More Rain and Possible Flooding Expected for Chaves County | Local News

Chaves County and the city of Roswell are preparing for heavy rains and more possible flooding this weekend.

On Thursday, the National Weather Service in Albuquerque issued a flood warning for east-central and southeastern New Mexico, with thunderstorms between 1 and 2 inches expected as far north as Chaves County Plains and Curry and Roosevelt counties Friday night through Saturday morning .

“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, streams, creeks and flood-prone locations,” the National Weather Service alert said.

Flash flooding is also possible in areas described in the monitoring notice as “at risk areas of Chaves County.”

Josh Schroeder, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, told the Roswell Daily Record that the downpours are expected to begin between 6 and 9 p.m. Friday before tapering off Saturday morning and ending completely around noon.

The forecast calls for an 80% chance of precipitation for the areas subject to the flood watch Friday evening, with rainfall totals ranging from three-quarters of an inch to an inch, with the chance of precipitation decreasing to 40% by Saturday morning.

There is also a 20% chance of rain Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service.

For Roswell and Chaves County, the news comes as residents recover from record-breaking rains on Oct. 19 that led to flooding in Roswell and downstream communities, claiming two lives and causing millions of dollars in damage.

The city hopes to avoid further flooding but is taking measures to protect residents.

A message posted Thursday on the city of Roswell's Facebook page said sand and bags were available to the public outside the Roswell Streets Department at 320 East Alameda St. People are instructed to bring their own shovels to fill the bags and to behave respectfully of others.

The New Mexico Army National Guard will also provide pre-filled sandbags to residents. These sandbags are expected to arrive Friday morning and will be available near the corner of West Eighth Street and North Nevada Avenue on the southwest side of the Cielo Grande Recreation Area, the release said.