Full Notification

Widespread heavy rainfall over the past week has led to a sand blockage in the Rio Chama approximately 1 mile north of Medanales or about half way between Espanola and Abiquiu. A new channel is being carved into local farms along the east side of the old channel.

* WHAT...Arroyo and small stream flooding caused by a sand blockage in the main river channel.

* WHERE...A portion of north central New Mexico, including the following county, south central Rio Arriba.

* WHEN...Until 430 PM MDT Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 432 PM MDT, A member of the public who farms in the area reported the river channel disruption. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Medanales and Chili. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

* AFFECTED AREAS: RIO ARRIBA, NM

Instructions:

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Even 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet and a depth of 2 feet will float your car. Never try to walk, swim, or drive through such swift water. If you come upon flood waters, stop, turn around and go another way.