Two People Rescued as Flash Floods Sweep Across New Mexico

Mora County, New Mexico, United States — September 22, 2026

Two people were rescued after their vehicle became stranded by rapidly rising floodwater in Mora County, New Mexico, as heavy rain caused dangerous conditions across the region.

Floodwater Overtakes the Road

The rescue took place Tuesday on County Road A005, also known as Monte Aplanado Road, in Mora County.

Heavy thunderstorms brought several inches of rain to the area, sending fast-moving water across roads and surrounding land. A Flash Flood Emergency was issued as conditions deteriorated.

The two people became stranded as floodwater overtook the roadway. Local authorities responded with assistance from several emergency agencies.

Rescuers Reach the Stranded Pair

Mora County Sheriff’s Office deputies and other emergency responders made their way to the location and successfully brought both people to safety.

Officials said the two people were rescued without injuries.

Video released by the Mora County Sheriff’s Office showed a wildland fire engine moving through deep brown floodwater during the rescue operation. The footage captured the difficult conditions crews faced as they approached the stranded vehicle.

More Than Five Inches of Rain

Parts of Mora County received between 3.5 and more than five inches of rain during the storm, according to reports from local authorities.

Floodwater also affected roads and public facilities in the area. Several roads were closed because of flooding, debris and the risk of washouts, while Morphy Lake State Park was temporarily closed.

Floodwater also entered the Mora High School gym and recreation area, prompting the school district to switch to remote learning the following day.

Officials Warn Drivers to Stay Away

Following the rescue, the Mora County Sheriff’s Office urged residents not to attempt to drive through flooded roads.

Officials warned that even after water begins to recede, roads can remain dangerous because of mud, debris, erosion and hidden washouts.

Emergency officials repeated a simple warning to drivers: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

A Rescue Amid a Wider Flood Threat

The Mora County rescue was part of a broader series of emergency responses across New Mexico as heavy rain produced dangerous flooding.

In Albuquerque, firefighters also rescued two people from a vehicle stranded in an arroyo. Responders had to reach the vehicle on foot before bringing the occupants to safety.

The incidents highlighted how quickly normally passable roads and waterways can become dangerous during intense rainfall.

Sources

• KOAT — “Mora County crews conduct water rescue,” September 22, 2026.
• FOX Weather — “Rescues unfold in New Mexico as Hurricane Polo moisture fuels statewide flood threat,” September 23, 2026.
• Mora County Sheriff’s Office — Information and rescue footage from September 22, 2026.
• Reuters Connect — Rescue footage from Mora County, September 22, 2026.