Watch: Rescues unfold in New Mexico as Hurricane Polo moisture fuels statewide flood threat
New Mexico has been hit by dangerous flooding fueled by moisture associated with powerful Hurricane Polo.
Albuquerque first responders spring into action amid widespread New Mexico flood threat
First responders in Albuquerque worked through multiple flood-related incidents, including a stranded vehicle with people inside and a search for a woman reportedly swept away in floodwaters, as moisture from Hurricane Polo fueled a widespread flood threat across New Mexico and the Southwest.
THE TAKEAWAY
- Rescue operations unfolded in Albuquerque and Mora County as flooding impacted New Mexico.
- The dangerous flood threat is not over, with more heavy rain possible across the state.
- A statewide Flood Watch remains in effect as officials warn of additional flooding.
NEW MEXICO - New Mexico has been hit by dangerous flooding fueled by moisture associated with powerful Hurricane Polo, triggering several intense rescue operations as the threat continues.
Pacific moisture from the monster hurricane hundreds of miles away will continue funneling into New Mexico, setting the stage for another day of potentially significant flooding across the state on Wednesday.
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Southwest flood alerts.(FOX Weather)
The prolonged threat is another step in a chapter of dangerous flooding that triggered numerous rescues across the state on Tuesday.
Albuquerque first responders remained busy Tuesday evening as heavy rain created dangerous conditions in low-lying arroyos across the city.
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According to Albuquerque Fire Rescue, two people were rescued from a stranded vehicle in less than a foot of floodwater in the Tijeras Arroyo near Poinsettia SE in the Four Hills area.
A truck was stranded in an arroyo in Albuquerque, triggering an alert to first responders who hiked to the vehicle and assisted the two passengers to safety Tuesday night.
(Albuquerque Fire Rescue)
First responders hiked into the arroyo to reach the vehicle. Although the water was less than a foot deep, the potential for rapidly rising water prompted crews to quickly remove the occupants and bring them to safety.
Earlier that evening, Albuquerque Fire Rescue crews responded to the Embudo Arroyo near Hendola NE after receiving a report that a woman had been swept away.
Crews reported moderate flows along the arroyo, but made no contact with anyone matching the description, according to AFR.
Albuquerque Fire Rescue crews responded to the Embudo Arroyo following reports that a woman had been swept away by floodwaters.
(Albuquerque Fire Rescue)
Mora County Flash Flood Emergency and rescue
A Flash Flood Emergency was issued Tuesday evening in parts of Mora County, where sheriff’s deputies rescued two people from a life-threatening situation.
Rapid floodwaters overtook County Road A005, also known as Monte Aplanado Road, near Mora, stranding the pair as dangerous flooding surged through the area.
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According to the Mora County Sheriff’s Office, both individuals were rescued without incident.
Deputies, assisted by other local agencies, reached the pair along the washed-out road and helped them to safety.
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Dramatic video captured floodwaters overtaking a road during the rescue operation, while first responders rigged flood safety equipment.
The threat isn't over yet
The threat isn't over yet, as Hurricane Polo is providing the necessary moisture for a prolonged flood threat in the Southwest.
New Mexico rain forecast through Saturday.(FOX Weather)
On Wednesday, most of New Mexico faces a Level 3 out of 4 flash flood risk, including Roswell, Albuquerque, Santa Fe and burn-scar-vulnerable communities around Ruidoso and the Sacramento Mountains.
A broader Level 2 out of 4 risk covers the rest of New Mexico, as residents across the state should be weather aware throughout the evening.