PSA 9/29/2029 10:00 p.m.: Las Vegas and San Miguel County Remain Prepared as Flood Threat Continues

As rain continues across Las Vegas and San Miguel County, residents are encouraged to remain weather aware as conditions can change quickly. A Flood Watch remains in effect through 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 30, with additional showers and thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall. Saturated ground, burn scars, low-lying areas, arroyos, streams and roadways remain especially vulnerable. Significant flooding in other areas of New Mexico is also a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can worsen.

With that in mind, City and County crews remain focused on both immediate response and protecting critical infrastructure. If rainfall intensifies locally, emergency personnel are prepared to increase operations as needed. Public Works continues monitoring drainage areas and infrastructure, while emergency departments remain ready to respond. Sandbags are still available through the City of Las Vegas Public Works Department, located behind City Hall at 1700 N. Grand Avenue, while supplies last.

City and County leadership also spoke with local media this evening about preparations underway across the community. City of Las Vegas Water Director Travis Martinez, Police Chief Caleb Marquez, Fire Chief Steven Spann and San Miguel County/City of Las Vegas Emergency Manager Jayme Vigil were interviewed about water operations, public safety, emergency response and the work being done to protect residents and critical infrastructure. City Manager Robert A. Anaya and San Miguel County Manager Joy Ansley were also present, reflecting the close City-County coordination taking place as conditions continue to develop.

One of the most important areas being watched closely is the City’s water system. Heavy rainfall has created treatment challenges because of high turbidity in the Gallinas River, but Martinez said the City prepared for these conditions and is relying heavily on stored water while carefully managing available sources. Current water storage is approximately 98 percent, providing an important buffer as crews continue monitoring source water and treatment operations.

That preparation also extends to the facilities themselves. Water infrastructure has been protected as much as possible to help safeguard the Water Treatment Plant and maintain operations through the weather event. Martinez and the City’s water team remain confident the plant can continue operating through the night while crews monitor conditions and make adjustments as needed.

The pit ponds positioned behind the reservoirs are another important part of that protection. They are designed to capture and slow floodwater, debris and sediment coming down from the mountains before it reaches the reservoirs. The ponds are currently working as designed, and officials expect them to maintain their integrity as conditions continue to be monitored.

At the same time, the rainfall is both a challenge and an opportunity, especially as the region continues to experience drought conditions. While crews must protect the treatment plant and reservoirs from turbidity, debris and flooding, the moisture is also needed to replenish water supplies. Water that can safely be captured is being diverted to Storrie Lake, helping replenish another important City water source for the months ahead. It is a balancing act — protecting critical water infrastructure while also preserving as much beneficial water as possible.

That same focus on preparation carries into public safety operations. Police Chief Caleb Marquez and the Las Vegas Police Department are prepared to assist with road closures, traffic control and other public safety needs. Chief Marquez is asking residents to stay away from flooded areas, including roadways, low-water crossings, waterways and barricaded locations. Never attempt to drive or walk through floodwater. Staying out of hazardous areas also helps keep first responders available for those who truly need assistance.

Fire Chief Steven Spann and the Las Vegas Fire Department are likewise prepared to respond to swift-water rescues, stranded motorists and other flood-related emergencies. Since 2022, LVFD has increased its focus on swift-water rescue training, equipment and response vehicles, and a majority of department personnel have received swift-water rescue training.

That preparation was reinforced again just last week when LVFD Green Team completed another swift-water rescue refresher and hands-on training for probationary firefighters under Lieutenant Abel Harris, with support from Fire Captain John Sotres and Deputy Chief Andrew Duran. Continued training like this strengthens the department’s ability to respond quickly when conditions change.

Additional support had also been positioned in northeastern New Mexico through Oklahoma Task Force One from the Tulsa Fire Department, with assistance from the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. As flooding became more serious elsewhere in the state, the team was dispatched where its specialized resources were needed most. While that additional support was appreciated, LVFD remains trained, equipped and ready to respond locally.

Coordinating those different resources and agencies has been a major part of the work over the past two weeks. Newly serving as San Miguel County/City of Las Vegas Emergency Manager, Jayme Vigil has been at the center of those efforts. Her responsibilities include monitoring changing conditions, bringing agencies together, identifying potential needs, coordinating resources, communicating with state and local partners and requesting additional assistance when necessary.

Vigil has worked closely with City and County leadership, first responders and partners including San Miguel County Fire, New Mexico State Police, NMDOT, West Las Vegas Schools, Las Vegas City Schools, Luna Community College, United World College, New Mexico Highlands University Police and others.

The City is grateful to have Vigil in place during a period requiring constant coordination and planning. Having one Emergency Manager serving both the City and County strengthens communication and helps connect resources across the community.

Much of today’s readiness is the result of nearly two weeks of work across departments and agencies. City of Las Vegas Public Works, Parks, Gas and Water employees have filled and distributed more than 3,000 sandbags while continuing their regular responsibilities. Public Works crews have cleared drainage areas, monitored infrastructure and prepared equipment for flooding, debris and possible road closures. Firefighters have trained, law enforcement has prepared for public safety needs, water personnel have protected critical infrastructure, and emergency management has coordinated resources across agencies.

None of this work could happen without the support of leadership on both sides of our community. The City and County recognize Mayor David Romero, the Las Vegas City Council, City Manager Robert A. Anaya, the San Miguel County Commission and County Manager Joy Ansley for supporting the employees, first responders and departments doing the work on the ground. That support allows departments to plan ahead, coordinate across agencies, secure needed resources and make decisions focused on protecting residents and critical infrastructure. Preparedness is a team effort, and strong cooperation between City and County leadership helps make that possible.

Planning has also included what happens if conditions worsen. If an emergency shelter becomes necessary, the Abe Montoya Recreation Center is prepared to serve as a shelter location unless another site is designated by emergency officials. Support would be coordinated with partners including the American Red Cross. The City’s IT Department is also prepared to provide additional telephone and public-information support if operations expand.

The weather will determine what happens next, but preparation determines how we respond. Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring official City, County and National Weather Service updates and use caution as the rain continues.

Our community cannot control where the heaviest rain falls, but we can control how prepared we are when it does.

9.29.2026 -Las Vegas and San Miguel County Remain Prepared as Flood Threat Continues.pdf

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