Breaking News:

NATIONAL NEWS

At least 2 dead and hundreds rescued in severe New Mexico flash flooding

Oct 20, 2024, 6:12 PM

A truck is seen submerged in flood waters in Hagerman, New Mexico. (Hagerman Police Department via ...

A truck is seen submerged in flood waters in Hagerman, New Mexico. (Hagerman Police Department via CNN Newsource)

(Hagerman Police Department via CNN Newsource)

(CNN) — At least two people have died and hundreds have been rescued in Roswell, New Mexico, according to the New Mexico State Police, after extreme overnight rainfall brought severe flooding, stranding motorists and sweeping away cars.

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

No details have been released about the confirmed fatalities. “Crews are still out there and rescue efforts are still underway,” New Mexico State Police Officer Amanda Richards told CNN Sunday afternoon.

Flash flood emergency issued

The National Weather Service declared an overnight flash flood emergency for Roswell and nearby areas, as emergency management within Chaves County reported numerous water rescues.

The weather service also warned widespread showers and storms are expected again on Sunday in central and eastern New Mexico and will bring the risk of large hail, damaging wind gusts, tornadoes, and both flash flooding and river flooding, “especially in the Roswell area.”

Roswell recorded 5.78” of rainfall Saturday, which set a record for any date, surpassing the prior mark of 5.65” set November 1, 1901, according to the 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 rose to dangerous levels, stranding several vehicles under bridges along the river, with water entering homes in the area. Water levels have since receded in some areas, but remain high in downtown Roswell and throughout town along the Spring River channel, according to the city.

“Many motorists became stranded when their vehicles got stuck in flood waters on many streets,” the City of Roswell said in a statement. “Some people had to await rescue on top of their vehicles that were covered by water. Some vehicles were swept by the water into the river channel. One fatality has been confirmed as a result of the flooding. Search-and-rescue efforts are still underway this morning.”

Videos posted by Chaves County Sheriff Mike Herrington show him standing on top of his vehicle on Sunday around midnight, surrounded by floodwaters that swept his car away along with other stranded vehicles. People’s houses and cars flooded, Herrington says in the videos, which also show floodwater rescues.

Family of seven rescued

“We feel for the New Mexicans affected by this latest flooding in our state,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, the New Mexico National Guard’s adjutant general. “Because of the previous flooding in Ruidoso, we have the experience and were ready for this. We’ve worked all night, and continue to work with swift water rescue teams and other partner agencies to help our fellow citizens get to safety.”

The Guard’s Community Emergency Response Team performed at least one swiftwater rope rescue overnight, “a skill they were trained in as a result of the Ruidoso floods,” the National Guard said, adding they will remain on duty to help the city as long as necessary.

State police officers 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.

The Roswell Air Center, an airport near the city, is closed and flights were canceled for Sunday and Monday because of the storm, flooding and debris, officials announced on Facebook. “An assessment will be done Monday morning to determine if flights can resume by the afternoon,” the post read.

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 asked residents to stay off the streets as response efforts continue and some areas remain dangerous.

A shelter is available to Roswell residents who are affected by the flooding and need to evacuate.

Roadways into Roswell are shut down. Residents may leave but will not be able to reenter, Richards said. Those who do decide to leave cannot use Highway 285.

KSL 5 TV Live

National News

Aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman....

Tara Copp, Associated Press

US aircraft carrier collides with merchant ship near Egypt, but no injuries reported

The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman was involved in a collision at sea with a merchant vessel near Port Said, Egypt, the Navy said Thursday.

20 minutes ago

This photo provided by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows an Igloo 90 Qt. Flip & Tow Rol...

Associated Press

Igloo recalls over a million coolers after handle hazard causes fingertip amputation injuries

Igloo is recalling more than 1 million of its coolers sold across the U.S., Mexico and Canada due to a handle hazard that has resulted in a handful of fingertip injuries, including some amputations.

55 minutes ago

FILE - Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump shakes hands with Independent ...

Amanda Seitz, Associated Press

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is confirmed as Trump’s health secretary after a close Senate vote

Robert F. Kennedy was confirmed as the new U.S. health secretary after the Senate voted in a last confirmation hearing Thursday. 

2 hours ago

A U.S. Coast Guard boat, left, and a U.S. Navy boat work near Shelter Island after a U.S. Navy plan...

Garna Mejia

Utahns witness San Diego military jet crash, service members rescued from ocean

A group of Utahns witnessed the military jet crash in the San Diego Bay on Wednesday, and they were on a private fishing boat that rescued the two service members involved.

4 hours ago

...

Keira Fairmont

The New Italian Spirit: Crafting the brand for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

They call it 'The New Italian Spirit’ – lo spirito Italiano – and in one year it will be recognizable to the entire world at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

17 hours ago

Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's choice to be the Director of National Intelligence, arrives...

David Klepper, Associated Press

Senate confirms Gabbard as Trump’s director of national intelligence after Republicans fall in line

The Senate has confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

At least 2 dead and hundreds rescued in severe New Mexico flash flooding