SANTA FE, N.M. — Communities across New Mexico are continuing recovery efforts after a weekend of severe weather brought flooding to the northwest part of the state and a confirmed tornado to Santa Fe.
The National Weather Service confirmed that a high-end EF-1 tornado touched down Saturday night in Santa Fe’s Via Caballero neighborhood, just north of Interstate 25. The tornado traveled approximately 1.4 miles before lifting near the former College of Santa Fe.
Damage was concentrated along Rancho Siringo Road and Camino Chueco, where ten homes sustained damage. The storm also snapped power poles and uprooted trees. Despite the damage, officials report no injuries.
The City of Santa Fe is encouraging residents affected by the tornado to contact its Constituent Services Team for assistance with debris removal and other storm-related needs. Residents requiring help with transportation, power outages, gas outages, or other community services can call 211. City officials are also seeking volunteers to assist with recovery efforts.
Meanwhile, flood recovery remains underway in San Juan County, where water levels along the San Juan and Animas rivers have begun to recede. Emergency management officials say evacuated areas remain closed, and residents who left their homes are not yet being allowed to return.
Officials are also warning residents to avoid floodwaters and mud because of contamination concerns linked to raw sewage. The evacuation center at McGee Park remains open and continues to provide shelter for displaced residents.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is expected to visit San Juan County Monday to assess flood damage and meet with local officials, first responders, and affected families. Over the weekend, the governor requested a federal emergency declaration that would provide at least $13.8 million in relief funding for impacted communities.
The flooding follows a statewide flooding emergency declared last month, and National Guard personnel remain available to support recovery operations if needed.
