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Gallup Prepares for More Rain Following Thursday's Devastating Floods
City crews work to clear debris and reinforce drainage as a weekend flood watch remains in effect for the region.
How we reported this
Officials in Gallup are preparing for the possibility of additional heavy rain this weekend, days after flooding swamped parts of the northwestern New Mexico city on Thursday, according to KRQE News 13.
Flooding Prompts Emergency Response
Thursday's downpour sent muddy water rushing through streets and into low-lying areas, with the city posting photos of standing water and debris. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch covering the South Central Mountains, including areas around Gallup, through the weekend.
City crews have been working to clear clogged drainage channels and remove debris from roadways ahead of the next round of potential storms. The flood watch warns that additional heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding in already saturated areas, particularly near arroyos and low-water crossings.
Preparations Underway
Gallup officials said they are monitoring weather forecasts closely and have positioned equipment and personnel to respond quickly if flooding resumes. Sandbags and other flood-control measures are being made available to residents in flood-prone neighborhoods.
The city's emergency management office advised residents to avoid driving through standing water and to stay tuned to local weather alerts. Many streets remained passable after Thursday's flooding but some intersections collected enough runoff to temporarily close.
This week's weather event underscores the challenges facing communities along the Interstate 40 corridor, where monsoon season often brings sudden, intense storms that overwhelm local drainage systems.
What Happens Next
Forecasters expect the flood watch to remain in effect through Sunday evening. Residents should have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts and are urged to never drive around barricades or through flooded roads.
Anyone needing sandbags or other flood preparation supplies should contact the Gallup city offices. The city also reminded residents to report blocked storm drains or flooding issues to the public works department.
For the latest weather updates and emergency information, check KRQE News 13 and the National Weather Service's Albuquerque office.