Remnants of Hurricane Polo brought heavy rainfall and flash flooding to parts of the Southwest on Wednesday, forcing evacuations in New Mexico communities and causing road closures across the region.

Polo made landfall in Mexico's Baja California Sur as a Category 2 hurricane with 110 mph winds on Monday night before crossing the Gulf of California and weakening. It made a second landfall in mainland Mexico on Tuesday and dissipated over northwestern Mexico that evening. Its tropical moisture, combined with other systems, has fueled widespread rain in the U.S.

In New Mexico, the Department of Transportation reported flooded roads and debris on highways. Evacuations were ordered in Rincon, Salem, and Garfield due to concerns over a potential dam failure along the Rio Grande. Residents in nearby Hatch and Placitas were also advised to leave. Arizona saw several water rescues amid drenching rains.

Flood watches covered tens of millions of people from the Southwest into the Plains. Forecasters warned of 3 to 5 inches of rain possible in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado through Thursday, with isolated higher amounts. More than 60 flash floods were reported across the Southwest from Monday into Tuesday night.

The National Weather Service noted that rainfall rates reached up to 4 inches per hour in some spots. Southern New Mexico, already hit by prior floods, faced elevated risks. The moisture plume is expected to shift eastward, expanding threats into the Southern Plains.

Officials urged drivers to avoid flooded roadways and residents near arroyos to stay clear. The event follows a pattern of tropical systems delivering unusual late-season moisture to arid areas.