Weather may create hazardous travel conditions across New Mexico
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Transportation is urging motorists to use extreme caution as widespread thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected across New Mexico Tuesday through Thursday.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch from noon Tuesday, Sept. 22, through 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, for much of New Mexico. Heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, arroyos, normally dry washes and locations with poor drainage.
Storms may develop quickly and produce heavy rainfall, damaging winds and small hail. Motorists should be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions, reduced visibility, standing water, debris 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. They 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 can 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 storms. When possible, delay travel until conditions improve.
- Stay informed. Check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling and never attempt to check a phone or mobile device while driving.
If visibility becomes too poor to safely continue driving, find a safe location completely off the roadway and away from areas prone to flooding. Do not stop in travel lanes, beneath overpasses or in low-lying areas where water may 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.
NMDOT remains committed to the safety of the traveling public and asks everyone to use patience, caution and good judgment during severe weather.