SAN JUAN COUNTY, N.M. — Emergency officials have expanded evacuation orders in parts of San Juan County as flooding along the San Juan and Animas rivers continues to worsen.
Residents in Wildhorse Valley, Lee Acres, areas of Bloomfield near South Church and Calle Del Rio, County Road 2620 in Cedar Hill, and all areas along the San Juan and Animas rivers are being told to evacuate immediately. County officials say river levels are expected to continue rising, with the rivers not forecast to crest until late Friday night or early Saturday morning.
Those forced to leave their homes can shelter at McGee Park, where officials say facilities remain safe and dry. The site is also accepting pets and RVs.
Officials are also warning residents to avoid floodwaters near Bloomfield after the city’s sewage treatment plant was impacted by flooding. Authorities say the water may be contaminated with raw sewage.
The flooding emergency extends beyond New Mexico. In Pagosa Springs, Colorado, town officials have declared a disaster emergency as severe flooding impacts the community. Mandatory evacuations are now in effect in flood-prone areas, and major road closures, including portions of U.S. Highway 160, remain in place. Municipal facilities have been closed, though law enforcement, public works, and parks crews continue emergency response efforts.
Emergency managers on both sides of the state line are urging residents in affected areas to remain alert as river conditions continue to change.
