Flash Flooding in New Mexico Leaves 2 Dead, 38 Injured
At least two people have died and 38 others have been injured following severe flash flooding in Roswell, New Mexico, caused by heavy overnight rainfall. Authorities reported that nearly 300 residents were rescued as floodwaters inundated roads and homes in the city, which has a population of over 91,700.
City officials stated that the torrential rain led to significant damage to both residential and commercial properties, with many residents experiencing floodwaters entering their homes. “Numerous motorists were stranded as their vehicles became trapped in the rising waters,” the City of Roswell noted in a social media statement. “Some individuals had to await rescue atop their vehicles, which were partially submerged, while others were swept into the river channel.”
The New Mexico National Guard reported that they rescued at least 290 individuals from the floodwaters, with 38 requiring hospitalization for treatment. As a result of the flooding, all roads leading into Roswell were closed by New Mexico State Police.
As of Sunday noon, water levels remained elevated in downtown Roswell and along the Spring River, which had overflowed. The area received between four to nine inches (101.6 mm to 228.6 mm) of rain late Saturday, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” alert.
A flash flood watch is still in effect for eastern New Mexico through Sunday night, with additional rain forecasted, increasing the risk of further flooding in already saturated areas. Notably, Roswell set a new record for daily rainfall with 5.78 inches (146.8 mm), surpassing the previous record of 5.65 inches (143.5 mm) set in November 1901.
