Flooding evacuations occur in Carlsbad area, including Caverns Published Flooding evacuations occur in Carlsbad area, including Caverns CARLSBAD, New Mexico — The City of Carlsbad experienced widespread flooding on Tuesday, forcing evacuations for numerous residents as well as visitors at nearby Carlsbad Caverns. ABC affiliate KOAT reported there were multiple helicopter rescues due to flooding from the Pecos River. The National Weather Service issued flood warnings for the river around Carlsbad through Wednesday after the area received between four to five inches of rain over the past 48 hours. The San Jose Boulevard Bridge in Carlsbad was shut down by city police as water from the river flowed over the bridge, making it impassable. Meantime, New Mexico State Police closed Road 7, which leads to the caverns, as evacuations got underway there.