Overnight rainfall from Hurricane Odile has water-logged several communities in southern Doña Ana County, flooding some roadways in La Union and Berino and prompting a temporary shelter to open in Sunland Park. The American Red Cross had opened the shelter just after midnight at the Senior Center in Sunland Park in anticipation of a few homes that were evacuated, but the shelter was deactivated early Thursday morning.
About 250 sandbags were sent to Sunland Park overnight, courtesy of the Doña Ana County Fire and Emergency Services Department.
The Village of La Union reported some flooding and debris at the intersection of Sentenario and Conejo. Both dam structures in La Union are said to be functioning properly.
In Berino, the Las Palmeras neighborhood reported some flooding issues, forcing the evacuation of one woman who was able to stay with family members for the night.
All other Doña Ana County roads are reported to be passable, however motorists are strongly advised to use caution and avoid areas where water is covering the roadway.
According to the Doña Ana County/City of Las Cruces Office of Emergency Management, no major flooding issues were reported in the county as of 8 a.m. Thursday, but several low-lying areas will be closely monitored throughout the day.
Sandbags are still available to anyone in Doña Ana County at all county volunteer fire districts, but emergency personnel advise residents to seek alternate resources for additional sandbags at local hardware and home supply stores. Doña Ana County can only provide 10 sandbags per household, which might not be enough to completely protect homes from flood damage.
For updates throughout the day, follow Doña Ana County on Facebook and Twitter, or visit www.donaanacounty.org.
Information from: Dona Ana County