New Mexico Flood Warning Issued as Drivers Face Dangerous Road Conditions
FARMINGTON, NEW MEXICO — Emergency crews are warning drivers in northwest New Mexico to stay alert as heavy rain has left several roads flooded and unsafe to cross. Officials in San Juan County say multiple vehicles have already been stranded this week, prompting renewed warnings to avoid driving through standing or fast-moving water.
Officials Repeat: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”
According to the U.S. National Weather Service in Albuquerque and San Juan County Fire & Rescue, even a small amount of floodwater can be deadly. Experts warn that just six inches of fast-moving water can knock a person off their feet, and twelve inches can carry away a small vehicle.
Rescue officials said four inches of water can stall most cars — often concealing deep washouts or missing road surfaces underneath. “You may not be so lucky,” crews warned in a safety alert, repeating the well-known message: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
The reminder comes after a recent incident where a driver tried to cross a flooded wash and became stranded. Fortunately, the individual escaped unharmed, but officials fear others may not be as fortunate if they ignore the warnings.
Flood Risks Continue Through the Weekend
Floodwaters are expected to linger through the weekend, especially in low-lying crossings and desert washes near Farmington, Bloomfield, and surrounding rural communities. The National Weather Service says runoff from ongoing rainfall could lead to dangerous overnight conditions as saturated soils push water across local highways and secondary roads.
Authorities are urging residents to check real-time updates from local emergency management and to avoid unnecessary travel until water levels recede. Motorists are also encouraged to report flooded roads to county officials and never assume a water crossing is shallow enough to pass.
Safety Tips and Local Readiness
To stay safe during flood events, officials recommend always checking local radar before heading out, keeping an emergency kit in vehicles, and ensuring phones are fully charged. Drivers should turn on headlights during rain, avoid using cruise control, and maintain extra distance from other vehicles.
Residents can monitor ongoing weather alerts and road closures via the National Weather Service Albuquerque and New Mexico Department of Transportation websites for the latest regional updates.
Flooding remains one of the leading weather-related causes of death in New Mexico, often because drivers underestimate the strength of flowing water. Authorities say this weekend’s conditions serve as an important reminder to slow down and stay alert as monsoon-season moisture lingers across the Southwest.
Stay connected with NapervilleLocal.com for more local and regional weather alerts, forecasts, and safety updates.
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