Sunland Park roads reopen after Rio Grande overflow
UPDATE (5:01 p.m.): Sunland Park officials said County Club and Racetrack Road reopened. McNutt going into Paisano is still closed since there is still water in the area.
Residents in the Anapra neighborhood said they live below the river's level. One told ABC-7 that even with the city distributing removal pumps, he thinks the river will consume his house.
"When we didn't have the water pump, it was hard. And so when we had that big flood, that's when the street was what we have up to my knees right here. It was just terrible," said Lorenzo Villescas. He lives right next to the Rio Grande.
City officials said they haven't seen the river run this fast or high since Storm 2006. Twenty years later, she said the high waters stopped school buses from entering her street. Some students who rely on the bus weren't able to attend school Thursday.
Olga Nunez said the last time the river was like this, the mayor evacuated her. Some residents said they felt forgotten amid the overflow.
"If they opened up the dams to save the communities that are up the river. But what about us? They need to put things in a balance," Nunez said.
Sunland Park officials said the city learns how to improve its flooding systems each monsoon season.
UPDATE (Oct. 1, 2026, 10:55 a.m.): The overflow at the Rio Grande impacted wastewater collection, according to the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA).
CRRUA said excess water entering the system puts stress on sewer infrastructure, which increases the chance of overflow. The utility posted the update on Facebook just after 9 a.m. Thursday.
The National Weather Service said around 8:19 a.m., the water levels lowered to nine feet.
Crews are addressing the situation, according to the post.
CRRUA Executive Director Juan Crosby said residents should stay alert for "unusual sewer odors" and other signs of wastewater system issues along McNutt Road from Sunland Park Drive south to the wastewater treatment facility near Racetrack Drive.
You can report sewer odor and other signs of issues to CRRUA by calling 575-589-1075. The utility's after-hours numbers are 575-332-1076 or 575-202-7173.
(Courtesy: CRRUA)
UPDATE (Oct. 1, 2026, 7:45 a.m.): As of Thursday morning, police closed major roadways in Sunland Park, New Mexico, as regional authorities monitor high water levels following a flood warning issued for the Rio Grande.
We are under an ABC-7 First Alert for a flood risk through portions of El Paso County. The Rio Grande
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for areas along the border areas near Paisano Dr and Executive along with areas in Juarez could experience that flooding.
The river is now no longer considered "Moderate Flooding," said The National Weather Service.
Emergency personnel have blocked off McNutt Road in both directions, as well as Country Club Road, to prevent drivers from entering flooded areas.
The traffic disruptions come in the wake of a flood warning encompassing most of the Rio Grande within El Paso County, which also extends impacts into southern New Mexico and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.
According to the El Paso City-County Office of Emergency Management, water levels along the river have been slowly dropping throughout the night. Officials added that no significant impacts to homes or the regional levee system are expected at this time.
Local authorities continue to monitor the closed portions of McNutt and Country Club roads, and updates will be provided as conditions change and lanes begin to reopen.
UPDATE (9:34 p.m.): Drivers are being asked to avoid part of McNutt Road due to a traffic closure.
The Sunland Park Police Department said McNutt Road is blocked at Racetrack Drive. Traffic is being detoured toward El Paso, and drivers are not being allowed to access Paisano from the intersection.
Police are asking drivers to follow the detour and use caution in the area.
The National Weather Service has extended a Flood Warning for the Rio Grande in El Paso through Thursday evening.
Minor flooding is expected along Paisano Drive near Executive Center, which could lead to road closures. Walking paths and parks between the Rio Grande levees are also expected to be inundated.
Drivers are urged to avoid flooded roads and not drive around barricades.
SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KVIA) -- High water, strong currents, and saturated areas around the Rio Grande have lead to the closure of the River Levee Park and Trail near Racetrack Drive, Country Club Road and other areas by the City of Sunland Park.
The Sunland Park Fire Department was requested by authorities to check on Paisano Dr. at McNutt Road earlier today as overflow from the storm rains spread onto Paisano.
City officials are urging residents to refrain from walking, biking, driving, or gathering on or near the levee. Authorities ask parents keep children and pets away from the levee and water's edge. Everyone must follow all posted signs and instructions provided by City staff and emergency personnel.
The city is monitoring the levels and will provide updates as conditions change.
