Rain expected in much of New Mexico on Sunday; San Juan County officials warn of more flooding

San Juan County, New Mexico, faced a severe crisis on Friday, October 23, as high flood waters triggered massive evacuations and drew emergency state resources to the region, according to the Tri-City Record.

San Juan County Commission Chair Sam Gonzales opened a Friday news conference by describing the region as being in “a terrible crisis” and “grave danger.” State officials quickly moved to coordinate a response.

“We ask you folks don’t panic. We are doing the best we possibly can getting people out of harm’s way,” said San Juan County Commission Chair Sam Gonzales.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham told the Tri-City Record in an emailed statement that the state had deployed every available resource, including helicopters for rooftop evacuations and boats where conditions permitted. Last month’s emergency funding made up to $3.75 million available through the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for response and recovery.

Evacuations and Relief Centers

Emergency responders began performing rescues at 6 a.m. Thursday, continuing through the night, all day Friday, and into Saturday. By noon Saturday, officials reported that 1,500 homes had been evacuated. Rescues paused from late Saturday into Sunday, according to updates provided during a Sunday news conference at the San Juan County Administration Building.

Flooding Continues Across Four Corners After Days of Heavy RainHeavy rain and thunderstorms kept flooding roads, homes and rivers across the Four Corners region of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah into the weekend.The National Weather Service maintained a flood watch… pic.twitter.com/MJ81fth93z

— https://x.com/amvoicerising/status/2114719065935687738

McGee Park remained the primary shelter for displaced individuals, with available capacity holding steady through the weekend. In Shiprock, Power Place Church and The First Baptist Church also opened their doors to welcome evacuees.

San Juan College announced it would open as a disaster recovery center on Monday. College President Toni Pendergrass stated that the site is prepared to host several agencies providing support and assistance to community members from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Crested Rivers and Lingering Hazards

The Animas River crested Saturday at 12 feet, matching water levels last recorded during the historic flood of 1927. According to the National Weather Service, river levels previously reached 11 feet in May 1941.

Update: San Juan County, New Mexico, in crisis — Photo: tricityrecordnm.com

Although the Animas and San Juan rivers began to recede by Sunday, local officials urged evacuated residents to stay away from their homes and avoid the water entirely. San Juan Fire and Rescue Chief Dave Vega warned that a tremendous amount of hazards remained.

Urban search and rescue crews utilized the receding water levels to inspect affected neighborhoods for downed power lines and potentially disrupted gas lines. Vega noted that floodwaters remained contaminated with raw sewage, gas, diesel, pesticides, and production water. While municipal drinking water supplies remained safe, officials noted that the safety of private water wells was still unknown.

Municipal leaders confirmed that all wastewater treatment plants remained fully operational as recovery efforts moved forward.