Chaves County and the city of Roswell are preparing for heavy rain and possible additional flooding this weekend.

On Thursday, the National Weather Service in Albuquerque issued a flood warning for east-central and southeastern New Mexico, with thunderstorms expected to bring between 1 and 2 inches to Chaves County Plains and Curry and Roosevelt counties Friday evening through Saturday morning .

“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and flood-prone locations,” the National Weather Service warning said.

Flash flooding will also be possible in what the watch describes as “vulnerable areas of Chaves County.”

Josh Schroeder, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, told the Roswell Daily Record that the rain showers will likely begin between 6 and 9 p.m. Friday before tapering off Saturday morning and stopping completely around noon.

The forecast calls for an 80% chance of precipitation for the areas under the flood watch Friday evening, with rainfall of between three-quarters and an inch, with the chance of precipitation dropping to 40% by Saturday morning. .

There is also a 20% chance of rain Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service.

For Roswell and Chaves County, the news comes as residents recover from record-breaking rainfall on Oct. 19, which led to flooding in Roswell and downstream communities that claimed two lives and led to millions of dollars in damage.

The city hopes to prevent another deluge, but is taking action to protect residents.

A message posted Thursday on the City of Roswell Facebook page said some sand and bags are available to the public outside the Roswell Streets Department at 320 East Alameda St. People are instructed to bring their own shovels to line our pockets and be respectful of others.

The New Mexico Army National Guard will also provide pre-filled sandbags to residents. The sandbags are expected to arrive mid-morning Friday and will be available near the corner of West Eighth Street and North Nevada Avenue on the southwest side of the Cielo Grande Recreation Area, the release said.