Flash Floods Swamp New Mexico Roads As 5 Inches Of Rain Falls On Burn Scar

Muddy floodwater rushed across rural roads on Tuesday, September 22, covering the pavement and flowing over the shoulders as fast-moving currents carried debris through the area. The flooding was filmed by the Mora County Sheriff’s Office.

Heavy thunderstorms dumped 3.5 to more than 5 inches of rain on parts of Mora County, including areas of the 2022 Hermits Peak–Calf Canyon burn scar.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for Monte Aplanado, Cañon Ledoux, Rito Cebolla, Mora and Morphy Lake State Park, describing the situation as particularly dangerous.

The Mora County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from NMDOT, Sierra Bonita Volunteer Fire Department, Mora Volunteer Fire Department and other agencies, closed County Road A005, County Road A004 and New Mexico Highway 94 between mile posts 14 and 16 because of active flooding and possible washouts.

Morphy Lake State Park was closed. Floodwater entered the Mora High School gym and recreation area, while the school district switched to remote learning the following day.

The Mora Senior Center was opened as an evacuation shelter. Two people were rescued from floodwaters on County Road A005 without injury.

Officials repeatedly warned people not to drive through flooded roads or go around barricades, urging the public to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”