Staff report
Bernalillo County residents in flood-prone areas have until Friday to get their sandbags in a row. Monsoon storms could drop up to 3 inches of rain on the East Mountains and up to 2 inches on the metro area by Sept. 25, county officials announced Tuesday.
Wednesday should bring the heaviest rain, and thunderstorms could flood roads in spots, according to a Bernalillo County news release. Officials urged residents to watch official weather updates and never drive or walk through flooded roads or moving water.
The county flagged three trouble zones. In the South Valley, flood-prone roads sit between Central Avenue and Rio Bravo Boulevard, from 98th Street east to the Rio Grande, with added concern from Prosperity Avenue to Rio Bravo between Second Street and I-25. Several Fourth Street spots in the North Valley may flood but usually drain fast. In the East Mountains, runoff could rush into Tijeras Creek and flood areas downstream.
Twelve county fire stations offer free bags and sand, no call needed. Grab empty bags from the blue metal bin, bring gloves and a shovel, fill each bag one-third to half full and keep station entrances and equipment bays clear.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 1.5 to 2 inches: Expected storm-total rain for the metro area through Friday
- 2.5 to 3 inches: Expected storm-total rain for the East Mountains through Friday
- 12: Bernalillo County Fire Rescue stations offering free sand and bags
Free sand and sandbags (self-fill; crews may help if they aren’t out on calls):
North Region
- Station 30: 6697 4th St. NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
- Station 31: 9819 2nd St. NW, Albuquerque
- Station 35: 11700 Paseo del Norte NE, Albuquerque
- Station 36: 501 Bear Canyon Lane NE, Albuquerque
South Region
- Station 32: 1701 Arenal Road SW, Albuquerque
- Station 33: 3909 Barcelona Road SW, Albuquerque
- Station 34: 2801 Don Felipe Road SW, Albuquerque
- Station 38: 3610 Prince St. SE, Albuquerque
East Region
- Station 40: 48 Public School Road, Tijeras
- Station 41: 10838 NM 337, Tijeras
- Station 43: 4 Dressage Road, Tijeras
- Station 46: 25 Frost Road, Sandia Park
Forecast updates: weather.gov/abq
County updates: bernco.gov