Heavy rainfall and flash flooding could create hazardous travel conditions across southwest New Mexico
The New Mexico Department of Transportation is urging motorists to prepare for potentially hazardous travel conditions as tropical moisture associated with Hurricane Polo moves into New Mexico, bringing widespread rainfall and an increased risk of flash flooding.
The heaviest rainfall is expected Tuesday, Sept. 29, across portions of southwest New Mexico. Heavy rain may continue into Wednesday morning, with already saturated soils increasing the potential for flash flooding, roadway flooding and debris flows.
The National Weather Service forecasts widespread showers and thunderstorms across New Mexico and West Texas as tropical moisture from Polo moves across the region. Storms will be capable of producing heavy rainfall and flash flooding, particularly in areas that have received significant rainfall in recent weeks.
Motorists should be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions, including reduced visibility, standing or swiftly moving water, debris, rockslides, washed-out pavement and possible roadway closures.
Flash flood and severe weather driving tips
- Turn around, don’t drown. Never drive through a flooded roadway or around barricades. Water may be deeper or moving faster than it appears, and the roadway beneath the water may be damaged or washed away.
- Never enter a flooded arroyo or low-water crossing. Arroyos and normally dry washes can fill rapidly, even when rain is falling miles away.
- Obey road closures and barricades. Barricades are placed for your safety. Never move, drive around or ignore a barricade closing a flooded or damaged roadway.
- Slow down and buckle up. Wet pavement increases stopping distance and the risk of hydroplaning. Reduce your speed and always wear your seat belt.
- Increase following distance. Leave additional space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead to allow more time to react and stop.
- Use your headlights. Turn on your headlights during rain and low-visibility conditions so you can see and be seen.
- Do not use cruise control. Maintaining direct control of your speed can help you respond more quickly if your vehicle begins to lose traction.
- Watch for debris and roadway damage. Heavy rain can wash rocks, mud, branches and other debris onto roadways and undermine pavement.
- Treat dark traffic signals as four-way stops. Storms may cause power outages. Approach intersections cautiously and be prepared for signals that are not operating.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during the heaviest rainfall. When possible, delay travel until conditions improve.
- Stay informed. Check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling. Never use a phone or mobile device while driving.
If visibility becomes too poor to safely continue driving, motorists should find a safe location completely off the roadway and away from areas prone to flooding. Do not stop in travel lanes, beneath overpasses, in arroyos or in low-lying areas where water can rise quickly.
NMDOT crews will monitor roadways throughout the weather event and respond to flooding, debris and other hazards as conditions allow. Drivers should never assume a roadway is safe simply because water appears shallow.
Motorists are encouraged to check current road conditions before traveling at NMRoads.com or by calling 511. Travelers should also monitor National Weather Service forecasts and alerts for the latest weather information.
NMDOT asks motorists to use patience, caution and good judgment during the storm and to never attempt to cross a flooded roadway.