Flooding

    • Flooding in Hobbs occurs primarily along the north, east and south area of the community. Significant portions of the city are inundated in a 100 year storm event.
    • Major floods have occurred in Hobbs on several occasions. In 1992 rainfall ranging from 3 to 10 inches fell in a 24 hour period causing significant damage.
    • Storms that produce flooding in the Hobbs area generally occur in the months from May to October. These storms often occur as intense thunderstorms that appear after long dry periods.
    • Flooding that does occur is often local sheet flow with depths of up to 3 feet.
    • Don’t put valuable items and appliances in the basement where they are more likely to be flooded.
    • Power and water don’t mix!  Have the main breaker or fuse box and the utility meters raised above the flood level for your area.  That way, if your home floods, water won’t damage your utilities.
    • Never wade through floodwaters unless it is an emergency and necessary to escape immediate danger.  Children should hold on tight to an adult.  Flowing water above an adult’s knees can carry them away
    • Never attempt to drive through water on a road!  Water can be deeper than it appears and water levels can rise very quickly.  Cars buoyed by floodwaters can float out of control.  If the car stalls in floodwater, get out quickly and move to higher ground.  Floodwaters may still be rising and the car could be swept away.
Flood Mitigation
  • The City Engineer’s office can help you determine if your property is in the flood zone as determined by FEMA (Link to: http://www.fema.org/ )
  • The City Engineer’s office also provides information on flood zone boundaries and flood proofing techniques.
  • These services are available to the public, homeowners, realtors, mortgage companies, appraisers and insurance agents.
  • To view the City of Hobbs FIRM, Flood Insurance Rate Map (Community Panel # 350029 0015B, Effective Date: July 16, 1991) follow the link:
    • http://store.msc.fema.gov
    • Enter a address, or go to Map Search
    • Once the image is loaded use the tools on the left to view the area of interest.
    • Use the Make FIRMette on the left side of the screen to print a portion of the FIRM.