Flooding Fears Rise As Runoff Pushes Rio Grande Higher

EL PASO, TX. – Runoff from rains in Southern New Mexico has pushed the Rio Grande’s water level higher,leading to fears that itwill overflow in the El Paso area sometimeWednesday morning.

The National Weather Service (NWS)issued a river flood warning late Tuesday night, and again Wednesdaymorning. As of early Wednesday morning, the water level was at 7.89 feet, after cresting at8 feet at 1:20 Wednesday morning.

Officials reported some flooding along the banks of the river in Santa Teresa and Las Cruces. Those same officials tellABC-7 thatit doesn’t appear to be as bad as it was last Thursday, when the river threatened the Sunland Park area andPaisano Drive.

While no evacuations have been ordered, the effects of a flooded Rio Grande could be seenthroughout the central part of the city and the Lower Valley.

ABC-7 will continue tomonitor the water levels throughout the morning, and will bring you updated reports on air and on line as events warrant.