Hurricane Polo threatens New Mexico dam with imminent flood warnings

A screaming warning has gone out for New Mexico as heavy rains threaten to crack the McLeod Dam. The National Weather Service says failure is imminent, and people must get to higher ground immediately. This crisis was sparked by Hurricane Polo, which slammed into Mexico on Monday and is now dumping massive amounts of water on the Southwest.

The alert remains active until at least 6:45pm ET. Officials say life-threatening flash floods could erupt in that area if the structure breaks. NWS staff wrote plainly: 'This is a particularly dangerous situation. Seek high ground now!'

Those living in rural spots between Garfield and Salem face serious risk, as do anyone traveling along parts of Highways 187 and 390. If you are stuck in low-lying areas below the dam, move up instantly. NWS added this specific plea for residents caught in the path.

An evacuation center has opened at the Radium Springs Community Center in Las Cruces. It sits about 60 miles from the danger zone. AccuWeather meteorologists warn that extreme rain and flooding will likely continue into Wednesday night as the storm's core crosses the border. Radar images capture the sheer intensity of this water moving over the state while warnings stand on September 29.

Jon Porter, Chief Meteorologist for AccuWeather, stated: 'In some places, especially in New Mexico, this may be the most dangerous flash flooding risk in the last five years or more.'

Meanwhile, roads near Phoenix, Arizona were shut down on Tuesday after storm chasers filmed heavy showers and rivers swelling toward overflow. The National Weather Service issued widespread flood alerts for southern Arizona and New Mexico, with those warnings running until 6pm ET Tuesday night. Flood watches covered ten states that morning as experts explained the mechanics of this disaster. Hurricane Polo is merging with leftover moisture from Hurricane Odalys and a dip in the natural jet stream to create a sweeping rainstorm across the nation.

This 'triple flood threat' brings the heaviest downpours to Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas on Tuesday. The danger extends through Friday. Watches also reach Utah, Nebraska, Missouri, and Iowa. AccuWeather predicts more than two inches of rain could hit Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin by Friday.

Yet the weather service notes a worst-case scenario where isolated areas see up to 18 inches of rainfall. NWS told drivers to stay off flooded roadways with one simple command: 'Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.' Meteorologists confirm that Hurricane Polo is joining forces with Hurricane Odalys and the jet stream dip to form this major rainstorm. Flash flooding across the US Southwest on September 29 has already closed roads in the Phoenix metro area.