Flooding Rains Forcing Evacuations In, Around Hatch

HATCH, NM. – Residents in low-lying areas of Dona Ana County were asked to evacuate Tuesday afternoon as heavy rain filled dams to near capacity and breached an arroyo.

The Dona Ana County Flood Commission warned residents to seek higher ground as flood waters rushed through the area.

The Commission says the Rio Grandewas flowing at nearly 4,000 cubic feet per second, and three flood control dams near Hatchwere near capacity, causing much concern for officials.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Dona Ana County through Tuesday night.

According to Jess Williams, a spokesman for Dona Ana County, authorities have set up a temporary evacuation center at Hatch High School and expect about 150 people to arrive at the school.

Williams also says the Placitas Arroyo, north of Hatch, has breached both sides,causing water to flow rapidly toward the downtown area.

Runoff from the severe rains forced the New Mexico State Police to close all roads into Hatch including Highways 26, 187 and 185.

Hatch Valley School Districthas notified ABC-7 thatdue to weather, there will be no classes in the district tomorrow. The district adds, teachers and administrators still have to report to work tomorrow.

Officials tell ABC-7 there are no reports of any injuries.