CNN
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At least one person died and hundreds were rescued in Roswell, New Mexico, after overnight extreme rainfall caused severe flooding that stranded and swept away cars.
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.
The National Weather Service declared overnight flooding in Roswell and nearby areas after emergency management in Chaves County reported multiple water rescues.
The weather service too warned Widespread rainfall and thunderstorms are expected again in central and eastern New Mexico on Sunday, bringing a risk of large hail, damaging wind gusts, tornadoes, as well as flash flooding and river overflows, “particularly in the Roswell area.”
On Saturday, Roswell recorded 5.78 inches of precipitation, which set a record for any date, surpassing the previous total of 5.68 inches set on Nov. 1, 1901, according to National Weather Service. It also broke the daily record set in 1983 and is four times the region’s average October rainfall.
The Spring River in the Cahoon area has reached dangerous levels, stranding several vehicles under bridges along the river and causing water to enter homes in the area. Water levels have since receded in some areas, but the city says they remain high in downtown Roswell and throughout the city along the Spring River Canal.
“Multiple drivers were stranded when their vehicles became stuck in floodwaters on multiple streets,” the city of Roswell said in a statement. “Some people had to wait for rescue in vehicles flooded with water. Some of the vehicles were swept away by the water into the riverbed. One death has been confirmed due to the flood. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing this morning.”
Videos released 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. Herrington says in the videos, which also show flood rescue operations, people’s homes and cars were flooded.
“We sympathize with the people of New Mexico affected by the recent flooding in our state,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, adjutant general of the New Mexico National Guard. “Due to the previous flood in Ruidoso, we have experience and were ready for this. We worked through the night and continue to work with rapid water rescue teams and other partner agencies to help our fellow citizens get to safety.”
The Guard’s Community Emergency Response Team conducted at least one rescue on a high-water line overnight, “a skill they have been trained in in the wake of the Ruidoso flood,” the National Guard said, adding they will remain on duty to help the city that long , as necessary .
