Two people die in a flash flood in Roswell, New Mexico

CNN
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At least two people have died and hundreds have been rescued in Roswell, New Mexico, according to New Mexico State Police. After extreme rainfall overnight caused severe flooding, leaving motorists stranded and cars swept away.

The New Mexico National Guard and other agencies rescued at least 290 people, including 38 who were taken to hospitals, the agency confirmed in a statement.

No information was given on the confirmed fatalities. “Crews are still out there and rescue efforts are still underway,” New Mexico State Police Trooper Amanda Richards told CNN on Sunday afternoon.

The National Weather Service declared a flash flood emergency for Roswell and surrounding areas overnight as emergency management in Chaves County reported numerous water rescues. Additionally, a flood warning has been issued for much of eastern New Mexico and is in effect until early Monday morning. Further warnings may be issued as the situation is monitored for the possibility of a flash flood emergency.

The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) says rainfall rates could reach between 1.5 and 2 inches per hour across the region. While the threat of a severe storm has decreased for the Roswell area, it remains in eastern and northeastern New Mexico through Monday morning.

Also the weather service warned Widespread showers and storms would continue through Sunday in central and eastern New Mexico, bringing the risk of large hail, damaging wind gusts, tornadoes, as well as flash and river flooding, “particularly in the Roswell area.”

Roswell recorded 5.78 inches of rainfall on Saturday, which was a record for any date and surpassed the previous mark of 5.65 inches set on November 1, 1901 National Weather Service. It also surpassed the daily record set in 1983 and is four times the region's average October rainfall.

The Spring River in the Cahoon area rose to dangerous levels, stranding several vehicles under bridges along the river and allowing water to enter homes in the area. Water levels have since receded in some areas but remain high in downtown Roswell and throughout the city along the Spring River channel, according to the city.

“Many motorists were stranded as their vehicles became stuck in floodwaters on many roadways,” the city of Roswell said in a statement. “Some people had to wait on the roof of their water-covered vehicles to be rescued. Some vehicles were washed into the river channel by the water. One fatality has been confirmed as a result of the flooding. Search and rescue operations are still underway this morning.”

Videos posted by Chaves County Sheriff Mike Herrington show him standing on the roof of his vehicle around midnight Sunday, surrounded by floodwaters that swept away his car along with other stranded vehicles. People's homes and cars are flooded, Herrington says in the videos, which also show rescue operations during floods.

“We feel for New Mexicans affected by this recent flooding in our state,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, adjutant general of the New Mexico National Guard. “Due to the previous flooding in Ruidoso, we have the experience and were prepared. We worked through the night and continue to work with rapid water rescue teams and other partner organizations to help our fellow citizens get to safety.”

The Guard's Community Emergency Response Team conducted at least one fast-water rope rescue overnight, “a skill they were taught due to the Ruidoso floods,” the National Guard said, adding that they will remain deployed as long as necessary to help the city.

State troopers were able to locate and rescue a family of seven surrounded by floodwaters on Twin Bluff Road in Roswell, the department said in a post on X.

In a video recorded on Facebook, the Chaves County Sheriff's Office warned against driving over water because it had caused severe damage to local roads.

“The asphalt is eroded,” said Undersheriff Charles Yslas as he showed broken asphalt on a damaged roadway and huge puddles.

“You just don’t know what the road looks like underwater. That’s why we ask everyone to please stay at home,” Yslas said in the video. “It’s not worth your life to try to take photos.”

He explained that the power of the water is “tremendous,” as evidenced by a camper seen in the video in the middle of a field off the road.

Roswell Air Center, an airport near the city, is closed and flights for Sunday and Monday have been canceled due to the storm, flooding and debris, officials announced on Facebook. “An assessment will be conducted on Monday morning to determine whether flights can resume by the afternoon,” the post said.

The ordeal has also led to the closure of other city facilities such as the recreation and aquatic center, the Spring River Zoo, the public library, the local museum, the convention center, a golf course and a cemetery until further notice.

City officials urged residents to stay off the streets as relief efforts continue and some areas remain dangerous.

Shelter is available for Roswell residents affected by the flooding who need to evacuate.

Roads to Roswell are closed. Residents will be able to leave but will not be able to re-enter, Richards said. Those who choose to leave will not be able to use Highway 285.