Flash flood alert urges residents near New Mexico’s McLeod Dam to seek higher ground
The National Weather Service issued an urgent flash-flood warning for the McLeod Dam area, telling people in low-lying spots to move to higher ground immediately.
Intense rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Polo has brought the McLeod Dam near Garfield and Salem to a critical state, leading the National Weather Service to issue a flash-flood warning that will stay active until at least 6:45 p.m. ET. The agency stressed that the situation is especially dangerous and urged residents in low-lying areas to seek higher ground without delay. The dam’s operator warned of possible life-threatening floods should the structure fail.
An evacuation shelter was established at the Radium Springs Community Center in Las Cruces, roughly 60 miles from the danger zone. AccuWeather meteorologists warned that severe rain and flash flooding will continue across much of New Mexico into Wednesday night as the storm system moves inland. Drivers were cautioned to avoid flooded roadways, with officials noting that most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Why it matters
A dam failure could unleash deadly floods, endangering residents and disrupting travel across a wide region.
How this story developed
- Sep 21 Hurricane Polo intensifies off Mexico's Pacific coast, endangering resort areas
- Sep 23 Polo intensified to Category 5 with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph.
- Sep 24 Authorities opened shelters and deployed thousands of military and Red Cross personnel to assist affected communities.
- Sep 25 A powerful nor'easter is set to hit the East Coast this weekend, delivering gusts up to 65 mph, coastal flooding and heavy rain, especially around Cape Cod and nearby islands.
- Sep 25 Residents on Hawaii's Big Island and coastal Mexico are preparing for severe flooding and hazardous surf as Hurricanes Nolo and Polo intensify.
- Sep 26 Surf City marina reported a 25‑foot vessel swept away and Edgewater parking lot partially submerged.
- Sep 28 President Donald Trump issued an emergency declaration for Hawaii.
- Sep 28 FEMA established enhanced coordination centers in New England to support response efforts.
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