The Rio Grande is experiencing extensive runoff, and the river at Hatch at this hour is flowing bank-to-bank and rising. The river is running at 6,000 cubic feet per second. River flows could double by 1 a.m.

Heavy, rising waters are moving south at a rapid pace. At Radium Springs, the U.S. Border Patrol is monitoring the river at Mile Marker 18 on N.M. 185.

The Doña Ana County Sheriff's Department will soon begin recommending evacuations near Selden Canyon north of Radium Springs. Fewer than a dozen homes are in the immediate area of concern, but all residents downstream of Hatch along the river are warned that the river surge is headed south.

Residents of low-lying areas along the river are strongly urged to seek higher ground. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to avoid crossing streams of running water in roadways.

A flash flood warning remains in place through 3:15 a.m. in Doña Ana County, and powerful storm cells continue to move through the area.

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Reporters seeking more information or interviews may call county Public Information Director Jess Williams at (505) 647-7914.