New Mexico State Police confirmed two people died as a result of a storm that on Saturday brought 5.78 inches of rain to the town — the most ever recorded in a single day in Roswell, breaking a record set in 1901.
Police did not offer any additional details about the deaths by late Sunday night.
The heavy rainfall caused the Spring River channel to overflow, leading to flash flooding in Roswell which meteorologists described as "extreme." The National Weather Service in Albuquerque predicted a 40% chance of additional rainfall overnight Sunday.
The New Mexico National Guard had rescued nearly 300 people from floodwaters by Sunday morning, the agency said. Of those rescued, 38 were taken to nearby hospitals.
"Many motorists became stranded when their vehicles got stuck in flood waters on many streets. Some people had to await rescue on top of their vehicles that were covered by water. Some vehicles were swept by the water into the river channel," Roswell authorities said.
City officials said search and rescue efforts continued Sunday as water levels remained high in parts of Roswell and Chaves County, inundating homes and businesses and shuttering the city's airport. All roads to and from Roswell were closed overnight, authorities said.
"Please remain off the streets if possible. Flooding-response efforts continue and some areas remain dangerous. Debris on the streets also poses a danger," the city said in a Sunday update. "The flooding has also damaged bridges, so please stay off any bridges."
Officials set up a shelter at the Eastern New Mexico State Fairground for those who needed to leave their homes.
Monday morning flights are canceled at Roswell Air Center. Officials will determine Monday if flights can resume in the afternoon.
Daniel Borunda of the El Paso Times and USA TODAY's Julia Gomez contributed to this report.
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