A series of storms — which dropped up to 4 inches of rain in parts of El Paso — caused several problems, including cars stranded in water, downed trees and flooding at homes, city officials said.
Rains that started Tuesday, Sept. 22, in the afternoon continued overnight into a cool, cloudy, and rainy day, with a flood watch in place for El Paso and Southern New Mexico until 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23.
The El Paso Fire Department and other emergency crews responded to 57 storm-related emergencies in El Paso, including cars stuck in water, flooded streets, crashes, traffic light malfunctions and other hazards, according to a city news release as of Wednesday afternoon.
City authorities said that 24
of the 57 storm-related calls occurred on the West Side, which the National Weather Service said received 3-4 inches of rain and was the hardest-hit area of El Paso.
There were also storm-related problems in parts of the East Side and the Lower Valley, along with Northeast and Central El Paso, the city stated.
The city has deployed a task force to help clear fallen trees, mud, rocks and other debris and damage to streets, officials said.
There were some leaks due to rain at El Paso International Airport, but they have been cleaned and cleared, and the terminal remains open, city officials said.
In neighboring Sunland Park, New Mexico, firefighters rescued a mother and three children at about 5 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, due to flooding at two homes on Carlos Aguirre Court and Riverview Court, the Sunland Park Fire Department said on a Facebook post.
The American Red Cross was contacted to help the family with shelter, SPFD added.
Juárez streets flooded
In Juárez, residents were dealing with streets completely flooded, according to news reports.
Juárez civil protection and rescue crews assisted about 70 vehicles that became stranded in floodwaters and three homes that suffered flood damage, a city news release stated. There were no reported deaths.
The Mexico border city regularly experiences street flooding in some areas.
Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com and @BorundaDaniel on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Severe storms bring flooding to El Paso, Juárez
