Tropical moisture from the former hurricane has triggered dangerous flooding across parts of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.
The remnants of Hurricane Polo are producing heavy rain and flash flooding across parts of the American Southwest after the storm weakened over northwestern Mexico.
Communities in southern New Mexico faced evacuations as swollen waterways and concerns surrounding a damaged dam created dangerous conditions.
Evacuation orders affected communities including Rincon, Salem, Garfield, Hatch and Placitas, according to Associated Press reporting.
Flooding Spreads Across Southwest
Emergency crews have conducted rescues in portions of Arizona and Utah as normally dry washes and riverbeds filled rapidly.
The Southwest’s desert terrain can be particularly vulnerable to flash flooding because heavy rain can move quickly across hard, dry ground.
Polo previously crossed Baja California Sur after reaching hurricane strength. Although winds weakened after landfall, the storm retained enough tropical moisture to create flooding hundreds of miles inland.
Threat Continues Beyond Former Hurricane
Meteorologists continued monitoring the moisture as it moved farther inland, with flood watches remaining in effect across portions of the region.
Polo is no longer a hurricane, but forecasters warn that the remnants of tropical systems can remain dangerous long after their winds diminish.
Residents in affected areas are being urged to follow local emergency instructions and avoid driving through flooded roadways.
