Flash flood emergency issued for Hatch, New Mexico

Digital Assignment Editor

A flash flood emergency has been issued for the Hatch Valley in northwestern Dona Ana County in south central New Mexico until 845 p.m. Dona Ana County Emergency management requested the issuance of a Flash Flood Emergency for the Hatch Valley between the Sierra County Line and Rincon. Emergency managements report several retention dams are near full in the area, and intense runoff is flowing in the area. Areas in the vicinity of Hatch are being evacuated.

Residents are asked to seek higher ground immediately as flash flooding is expected to impact small creeks and streams, and rivers.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Hatch, Salem, Garfield, and Rincon.

The Rio Grande gauge at Hayner’s Bridge near Rincon is at 10.8 feet, with a flow of 6,250 cubic feet per second. This is expected to cause flooding downstream along the Rio Grande in areas not protected by levees.

Flooding is also expected to impact portions of Highway 185, especially near the old Martinez Arena at mile marker 22.