US: Flash flood emergency declared for parts of Chaves County. N.M., until at least 00:30 MDT Oct. 20

The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flash flood emergency for parts of Chaves County, New Mexico, including Roswell and Midway, until at least 00:30 Oct. 20. Authorities have asked people in the affected area to move to higher ground immediately and to avoid driving through floodwaters. Officials could amend the flash flood emergency for the impacted areas and/or extend it to the surrounding regions on short notice over the coming hours.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites. Transport, electricity, and telecommunications disruptions are also possible in areas impacted by flooding.