Former Hurricane Polo, now a tropical storm, is expected to bring significant rain and flooding to the southwestern United States after moving across Mexico. The National Hurricane Center reported that Polo was downgraded to a tropical storm on Tuesday. As it moves inland, over 30 million people from Arizona to Iowa could face flash floods. In southern New Mexico, heavy rains have already caused road flooding, trapping drivers, and threatening the McLeod Dam in Dona Ana County, prompting a flash flood emergency and voluntary evacuations. More than 60 flash floods were reported across the Southwest from Monday to Tuesday night, with some areas experiencing rainfall rates of up to 4 inches per hour. Polo initially made landfall in Mexico’s Baja California Sur and then in Sonora, moving northeast at 21 mph with sustained winds of 45 mph. Although the storm is expected to dissipate, its remnants will continue to affect the southwestern U.S., with flash flood watches extending from Phoenix to Des Moines. The National Weather Service warns of a significant flash flood threat from the Four Corners Region to the Central Plains. CBS News meteorologist Rob Marciano highlighted concerns for Albuquerque, New Mexico, which could receive about 2 inches of rain, as Polo’s remnants combine with other weather systems to increase flooding risks throughout the week. Rain is expected to continue in southern Colorado and along the I-35 corridor into Wednesday, with parts of Texas, including Dallas, potentially seeing rain through Thursday.
QUESTION: How might communities in the southwestern United States better prepare for future storms like Polo to minimize the impact of flash floods?
Polo will impact the U.S. after slamming Mexico. See its path.
