Before, during, and after this week’s storms, the City of Hobbs holds public safety as its number one concern. Last night’s storm has been described by the National Weather Service in Midland as a “Training” storm. A Training storm is when a storm develops and then re-develops over the same area multiple times. Last night, we received up to 6 inches of rain in certain areas of the city. The Hobbs Fire Department, Hobbs Police Department, Streets Department, and Parks Department will work simultaneously to ensure that the needs of the public are met to the best of their ability.

These City of Hobbs departments that will be working together in order to ensure the safety of Hobbs citizens will prepare areas in town that are more susceptible to flooding. This may include closing down or barricading streets. The City of Hobbs encourages residents to be mindful of the areas of town they know to be susceptible of flooding. Residents being mindful of this will allow the Police Department to respond to other residents in need. If you or someone you know become stranded in such a situation, please call the Hobbs Police Department Non Emergency number at (575) 397-9265.

The City of Hobbs is asking its citizens to assist in providing safety for the area by not driving during or immediately after the storms. The public should be wary of standing water, as they will not be positive of what type of structure(s) may be in the water, how deep the water is, or if their vehicle is capable of passing through the area. Even if a vehicle is able to sustain this type of weather, driving through large bodies of water may cause waves that will push up against nearby structures and cause flooding inside the nearby homes or structures. Please, be considerate of your fellow residents.

The trash pickup service has been adjusted due to the large amount of rainfall that has already occurred in the City of Hobbs. Citizens with unpaved alleys will receive curbside only trash pickup service until further notice in order to comply with storm recovery. Curbside pickup will be in service until the alleyways have been deemed passable by the City of Hobbs Streets Department. In order for their trash to be picked up by the service providers, citizens need to place their poly cart at the curb. This will ensure waste management personnel and residents are provided the safest and most reliable method of picking up the trash. If there is flooding on your street, please do not place your poly cart at the curb as the water is likely to push it over and it may become a driving hazard in the street, particularly during the storm; you may potentially lose your poly cart due to moving water carrying it away. Your poly cart will be serviced as soon as possible. For more information on your trash pickup service, please call the Utilities Department at (575)397-9315.

The southbound lanes of Lovington Highway are currently shut down due to the amount of standing water that is in these 2 lanes. As this is not an area of town that typically floods, this stands as an example of how much water the city of Hobbs has received. Potential storms may worsen the situation, and residents are advised to avoid this area during and after the storms.

Be aware of traffic cones, barricades, and other vehicles. Also, be aware of vehicles that have pulled over to the side of the road. These drivers are either unable to move their vehicle or cannot see you. If you or someone you know become stranded in such a situation, please call the Hobbs Police Department Non-Emergency number at (575) 397-9265.

The City of Hobbs does not provide sandbags. If you are in need of sandbags or something similar, you are recommended to obtain these items prior to the expected time of the next potential storm so that you are not on the road during the storm.

The City of Hobbs encourages residents to send any photos, video coverage, requests for assistance, or notification of areas that need attention to the City’s Facebook and Twitter pages. You can find the City on Facebook at “City of Hobbs – City Government” and Twitter as @CityofHobbs.

Citizens are encouraged to stay informed about possible changes in the weather forecast as they are subject to change suddenly. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service (NWS) are 2 reliable websites to visit in order to receive updated information. You may visit NOAA’s website at noaa.gov and NWS’s at weather.gov. There are also apps from these two organizations that you may download to your phone in order to receive updates and weather advisories.

This is one of the times when Hobbs residents truly come together and show their support for one another. The City of Hobbs would like to encourage residents to care of those around you and help to ensure their safety. All actions being taken by the City of Hobbs will be attempts to increase public safety, and the City of Hobbs appreciates the efforts of its citizens in this time of emergency.

(News release from the City of Hobbs)