Avril Elfi from OAN
Saturday, June 22, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
Heavy rains in New Mexico prompted evacuations just days after wildfires erupted.
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On Friday, the National Weather Service (NWS) declared a flash flood emergency for an area including the cities of Las Vegas and areas near Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The weather service continued to say up to 2 inches of rain was expected by late Friday, with up to another 1.5 inches expected overnight.
The weather service reported flash flooding north and west of Las Vegas, causing numerous road closures.
Las Vegas city officials said certain areas of the city would need to be evacuated and advised residents to prepare to stay overnight. The city said it plans to set up evacuation centers for residents on the east and west sides of the city.
City officials also clarified that internet rumors about the city’s dam having collapsed were false, saying the dam was “currently intact.”
Wildfires also raged in New Mexico this week, forcing thousands to evacuate, killing at least two and causing flooding.
An estimated 1,400 structures have been destroyed or severely damaged by the South Fork and Salt Fires.
Minnesota Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and FEMA Administrator DeAnn Criswell were scheduled to tour the affected areas on Saturday.
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