Mountain West Right Now

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is occurring. * WHERE...South Central Socorro County in central New Mexico... * WHEN...Until 645 PM MDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 638 PM MDT, emergency management reported flooding in the warned area. Flooding is already occurring. - Flooding was reported in Socorro County in the Escondida and Pueblito Communities. Several roads have been rendered impassible near San Pedro. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Socorro, San Antonio, Bosque Del Apache Refuge, Escondida, Lemitar, San Acacia, Laborcita, Luis Lopez and Chamizal. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in New Mexico... Rio Chama Below Chamita affecting Rio Arriba County. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Rio Chama below Chamita. * WHEN...Until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 6.0 feet, Properties in the flood plain along the Rio Chama and near the junction of the Rio Ojo Caliente will see water in their yards. Impacts can include bank erosion and damage to wells and septic tanks. These impacts will increase in severity at higher river levels. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 11:00 AM MDT Wednesday the stage was 6.6 feet. - Bankfull stage is 5.5 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 11:00 AM MDT Wednesday was 6.9 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to remain between 6.4 and 6.7 feet through the next several days. - Flood stage is 6.0 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 6.7 feet on 07/21/2009. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/abq/EmergencyPrepFlood

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov/abq. The next statement will be issued Thursday afternoon at noon MDT.