Severe storms sent floodwaters into the Dawnlight area of west El Paso, forcing 16 households from their homes, according to KVIA.
By Oct. 25, storm damage was affecting more than just flooded homes, with water service problems in the Desert Aire and Anthony area after floodwaters washed out a water main.
Here's what to know
El Paso's Office of Emergency Management moved the Emergency Operations Center to Level 3, Increased Readiness, as crews handled flooding near Dawnlight.
In that area, crews evacuated 16 homes and positioned rescue teams around the city as a precaution.
District 1 City Rep. Alejandra Chavez was in the Dawnlight area with residents, first responders, and city crews after flooding damaged several homes.
"My heart goes out to the families affected," Chavez said.
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"Everyone who had to leave their home has a safe place to stay tonight," she added.
The station also reported a vehicle rescue on South Desert Boulevard, and officials confirmed that no injuries were reported.
More background
According to the city, the Red Cross and Sun Metro helped affected families and assisted with evacuations.
El Paso Water sent vacuum trucks to remove floodwater from the area.
On Oct. 25, Robert Coleman, Ph.D., office manager for the Anthony Water & Sanitation District, explained that heavy rain and flooding had damaged water lines in the Enchanted Street and Peppers areas.
Coleman said customers in the Desert Aire system lost service after "an arroyo washed out a water main," while other customers experienced low water pressure.
Crews shut the system down while they assessed the damage and waited for floodwaters to recede.
What's being done?
City officials said the Emergency Operations Center was at Level 3, Increased Readiness, and rescue teams were positioned across El Paso as a precaution during the severe weather.
For residents displaced near Dawnlight, the Red Cross and Sun Metro helped with evacuations, while El Paso Water used vacuum trucks to remove standing water from flooded areas.
As average temperatures rise and oceans warm, extreme weather incidents like flooding, extreme heat, and wildfires are becoming more common and deadly, putting businesses, communities, and people at increasing risk.
Coleman noted that the Anthony Water & Sanitation District isolated the damaged section of line and started restoring service to customers outside the directly affected area. He said crews planned to repair the broken water main on Sunday, Oct. 25.
Coleman added that bottled water would be available starting at 9 a.m. on Oct. 25, and that crews expected to restore full service by 5 p.m. on Oct. 25.
"This is my community, and these are my neighbors. My thoughts are with the families impacted tonight, and I'm grateful to everyone who stepped up to help," Chavez told the station.
Where can I learn more?
These stories examine similar flooding and extreme weather in Texas. They cover severe flood response, repeated residential flooding, and vulnerable storm-damaged homes.
• In Texas Hill Country, some of the worst flood damage tested veteran responders.
• In San Antonio, every rain floods 4 homes while a drainage fix remains stalled.
• In San Antonio, a home is 'fragile' as fresh rain threatens unfinished storm repairs.
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