DOÑA ANA COUNTY, New Mexico — A state of emergency has been declared in parts of Doña Ana County as the region faces a dual threat of catastrophic flooding and the potential failure of the McLeod Dam. Following heavy, persistent rains throughout Tuesday, authorities are ordering immediate evacuations for multiple communities as conditions continue to deteriorate rapidly.
The National Weather Service issued an urgent warning earlier today after dam operators reported that the McLeod Dam, located northwest of Hatch, is in imminent danger of failing. Officials warn that a breach would result in life-threatening flash flooding for any residents in low-lying areas downstream.
As of 5:37 p.m., Doña Ana County officials have placed the communities of Rincon, Garfield, and Salem into the “GO” phase of their emergency evacuation protocol. Residents in these areas are instructed to evacuate immediately and utilize I-25 as their primary route to safety.
Meanwhile, the town of Hatch has been placed in the “Ready” stage. Residents there are being urged to finalize their emergency plans, pack essential supplies, and monitor official county social media channels and websites for further instructions. Officials are stressing the importance of proactive measures, warning residents not to wait for conditions to worsen before preparing to leave.
“Do not wait until conditions worsen to begin preparing,” the county stated in an emergency alert.
To assist those displaced by the emergency, the county has established two primary evacuation shelters. Residents in need of immediate assistance should head to the Radium Springs Community Resource Center located at 12060 Lindbeck Rd., or the Doña Ana Community Resource Center at 5745 Ledesma Dr. The American Red Cross is on-site at these locations to provide support and essential services.
Emergency managers are reminding all evacuees to prioritize the “Ready, Set, Go” safety framework:
- Ready: Make a plan and gather essential supplies.
- Set: Prepare to leave immediately; monitor official channels for specific directions.
- Go: Evacuate now using recommended routes.
Officials are urging all residents in the impacted zones to secure a “Go Bag” before departing. This kit should include all necessary medications, government-issued identification, important personal documents, and essential supplies, including food, water, and necessities for children and pets. Residents are also advised to ensure their vehicles are fueled and ready for travel.
The situation remains fluid as heavy storms continue to move across the area. County officials are monitoring the integrity of the dam around the clock and will provide updates on evacuation status as new information becomes available. Anyone in the designated threat area is urged to prioritize safety and move to higher ground without delay.
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