Officials in New Mexico issued mandatory evacuations due to heavy rain and flash flood warnings, with shelters available for displaced residents.
The National Weather Service declared a flash flood emergency from Friday night into early Saturday, affecting areas like Las Vegas and communities near Albuquerque.
By late Friday, up to 2 inches of rain had fallen, with an additional 1.5 inches expected overnight, causing flash flooding and road closures in Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas government mandated evacuations in certain parts of the city and set up shelters for affected residents.
Residents were urged to conserve water, and clarification was provided debunking rumors of broken water dams.
New Mexico also faced devastating wildfires this week, resulting in two deaths and thousands forced to evacuate. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham planned to visit the affected area on Saturday.
Related: Raging wildfires push New Mexico residents and animals to neighboring shelters
