At Least 2 Dead, 290 Rescued After Record-Breaking Rain In New Mexico Led To Flash Flood Emergency In Roswell

 

This image shows flooding in Roswell, New Mexico, on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.

t least two people were killed and hundreds of people were rescued in parts of New Mexico late Saturday and early Sunday after torrential rain and thunderstorms pounded the Roswell area, leading to rare Flash Flood Emergencies as water trapped residents in their homes and vehicles became surrounded by rushing water.

According to officials, rescue efforts have been ongoing across the Roswell area since Saturday as heavy rain fell and water rose.

New Mexico State Police (NMSP) confirmed at least two deaths due to the flooding in Roswell. 

In a Facebook post, the City of Roswell said many motorists became stranded in the flooding, and some people were forced to wait for a rescue while sitting on top of their stranded vehicles.

"Some vehicles were swept away by the water into the river channel," the city said in the Facebook post. "One fatality has been confirmed as a result of the flooding. Search and rescue efforts are still underway this morning."

The New Mexico National Guard was called in to help with rescue efforts, and they said they have rescued at least 290 people from the floodwaters, with at least 38 people needing to be taken to local hospitals for treatment.

"We feel for the New Mexicans affected by this latest flooding in our state," New Mexico National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar said in a statement. "Because of the previous flooding in Ruidoso, we have the experience and were ready for this."

Officials said 57 guardsmen were on the ground for the rescue missions and would remain on duty to help Roswell "as long as necessary."

The relentless precipitation also broke records in the area, with the National Weather Service office in Albuquerque saying Roswell set an all-time daily rainfall record of 5.78 inches, which breaks the previous record of 5.65 inches set back in November 1901.

Chaves County Sheriff Mike Herrington took to Facebook early Sunday morning amid the flooding and said he was trapped after water surrounded his vehicle.

"At this time, I am sitting on the roof of my police truck," he said in a video. "I am completely surrounded by water at this time."

As Herrington spins the camera around, several other vehicles can be seen surrounded by the flooding as water rushes by.

"There are multiple vehicles," he said. "Came into this not expecting that much water. And before I knew it, I was swept off into this. Multiple vehicles have been swept away as well. So, to all of you in Chaves County, please, stay home, do not go out."

New Mexico State Police said on X, formerly Twitter, that all roads leading into and out of the Roswell area had been closed due to the amount of flooding that had taken place. 

NMSP said on Sunday afternoon that roads into Roswell remain closed, and vehicles can leave the city but will not be allowed back into the city.

City officials in Roswell said that water has since receded but remains high in the downtown area and throughout town along the Spring River channel.

The Flash Flood Emergencies have since expired, but flood alerts remain in effect across portions of eastern New Mexico, including cities like Roswell and Las Vegas.

The NWS said between 4 and 9 inches of rain had fallen in the Roswell area, inundating many areas.

"This is an ongoing dangerous flooding situation," the NWS warned.

More thunderstorms are also forecast for the area overnight Sunday, and NOAA's Storm Prediction Center (SPC) placed parts of the region in a Level 2 out of 5 risk on its 5-point severe thunderstorm risk scale.

The SPC said the main threats include torrential rain, large hail and damaging wind gusts. There is also the risk of a few tornadoes.