GRANTS, N.M. — Cibola County commissioners moved to approve an emergency disaster declaration Friday, Oct. 23, following widespread flooding that damaged homes, destroyed road crossings and threatened neighborhoods along the Rio San Jose.
During a special 1 p.m. meeting, county and municipal officials described an ongoing emergency that began Thursday as severe thunderstorms brought heavy rainfall across western New Mexico. Officials warned that additional storms and runoff could worsen flooding through the weekend.
The commission considered a countywide declaration authorizing emergency expenditures, the use of county resources and coordination with state and federal agencies. A motion to approve the declaration was made near the conclusion of the meeting, although the final vote count was not clearly captured in the available meeting transcript.
Bluewater Homes Damaged
Among the hardest-hit areas is the Village of Bluewater, where officials reported floodwater entering approximately 12 homes.
Emergency officials said the number of affected homes had increased from three as flooding continued to spread. The county's proposed disaster declaration describes substantial property damage and residents who have been displaced or could be displaced.
Floodwaters also damaged low-water crossings and county roads, complicating travel and emergency access.
Officials reported that crews had responded to flooded roads throughout the county, including the Bluewater, San Rafael and Cubero areas.
County officials said no injuries had been reported as of Friday's meeting.
Grants Responds to Rio San Jose breach
In Grants, officials reported that a breach along the Rio San Jose embankment had caused flooding affecting the Sargent, Devine, MacArthur and Nimitz areas.
City crews had repaired the breach and were continuing to reinforce the affected section.
Officials also described additional water overflowing into low-lying areas near San Jose Drive and the railroad tracks.
Earlier Friday, the Cibola Citizen observed significant flooding near MacArthur Avenue and Nimitz Drive, while the San Jose Bridge area was inaccessible because of high water.
The Grants Police Department urged residents to avoid flooded streets, obey road closure signs and stay away from arroyos, canals and drainage channels.
Fire personnel also conducted door-to-door notifications in neighborhoods where residents were advised to prepare for possible evacuation.
Milan Neighborhoods Remain on Alert
In Milan, Village Manager Candi Williams reported that three neighborhood areas — San Jose, Milan Street and Victor — had been placed on ready status for possible evacuation.
Officials said the Rio San Jose was at capacity in the village and that water levels upstream had been rising rapidly.
One household had voluntarily evacuated, according to the Manager Williams.
Village crews were reinforcing vulnerable areas with dirt and other materials to reduce the possibility of water reaching homes.
Williams said Milan Street and Uranium Avenue, which had experienced flooding earlier, had been cleared, but additional rainfall could cause renewed problems because the village's drainage system empties into the already swollen river.
The village previously reported that no homes were flooding at the time of its Friday morning statement.
Additional Storms Threaten recovery
Emergency management officials warned that saturated ground and runoff from surrounding mountains were contributing to rising water levels in the Rio San Jose.
They said additional rainfall was expected over the following two days, with some thunderstorms potentially producing more than an inch of rain.
The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center also issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Cibola County and much of New Mexico until 9 p.m. Friday.
Officials emphasized that the continuing weather threat could complicate repairs and cause additional flooding.
Emergency Declaration Would Support Response
County officials explained that the emergency declaration would provide additional flexibility for emergency procurement, equipment deployment and coordination with outside agencies.
The county also intends to document damage to homes, roads and public infrastructure to determine eligibility for potential disaster assistance.
During the meeting, officials described a local emergency spending threshold of approximately $173,000 before additional state resources could be requested through the applicable process.
They emphasized that a local emergency declaration does not automatically guarantee state or federal financial assistance.
Officials also discussed the need for further damage assessments, additional equipment and possible shelter arrangements for displaced residents.
The county expects to begin more extensive damage assessments Monday.
Residents Urged to Remain Cautious
Residents throughout Cibola County are encouraged to monitor official emergency information and avoid damaged or flooded roads.
Those living near the Rio San Jose and other waterways should remain alert to changing conditions and follow instructions from emergency personnel.
Motorists should never attempt to cross flooded roadways or low-water crossings.
The Cibola Citizen will continue reporting on the county's emergency response, damage assessments and recovery efforts.