Heavy rains that hammered Bernalillo County Monday night left numerous roadways submerged, prompting immediate safety alerts from the county’s fire‑and‑rescue department. The warnings, aimed at protecting drivers and families, stressed that flooded streets are especially treacherous after dark when water depth is hard to gauge.
Fire officials stress “call 911” for anyone in danger
William Harris, spokesperson for Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue, told local media, “If you come across a flooded roadway, don’t pass it.” He added that the department is monitoring fast‑moving waters in the arroyos that cut through the county’s neighborhoods. “Our best thing is the public to call 911 if they see anybody in an arroyo, giving a precise location of where these people are,” Harris said.
Residents take personal precautions
Jerome Romero, a firefighter stationed at a Los Ranchos firehouse, was seen filling sandbags to protect his home. He explained that past floods have allowed water to enter his residence, noting, “The patio floods, and my brother says that because the living room is one step below the foundation, it’ll just fill up with water.” Romero placed additional sandbags against his back door as a precautionary measure.
Local businesses see surge in flood‑related supplies
North Valley Ace Hardware reported a sharp increase in demand for rain‑related items. A store representative said customers were buying “roofing materials, ponchos, and gutter supplies” to repair damage and prepare for future storms. The hardware store’s inventory of sandbags, tarps, and waterproofing products has been moving quickly.
Safety tips for drivers
County officials reminded motorists that water can be deeper than it appears, especially in low‑lying areas and near drainage channels. Driving through standing water can cause loss of vehicle control, engine damage, or become a hidden trap for pedestrians. The safest course is to turn around, find an alternate route, and report hazardous conditions to 911.
What to do if you’re caught in a flood
If a vehicle becomes stalled in water, stay inside, keep windows up, and call emergency services. Do not attempt to walk through fast‑moving water, as even a few inches can knock a person off their feet. Emergency responders are equipped with rescue boats and trained personnel to reach stranded individuals quickly.
Bernalillo County’s fire‑and‑rescue department will continue to patrol affected roadways throughout the night and into the morning, providing updates via social media and local news outlets. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, heed official warnings, and prioritize safety over convenience during this severe weather event.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
