By james art 
Roswell set an all-time daily rainfall record
A record-breaking storm caused “extreme flooding” as water entered buildings and swept away cars in Roswell, New Mexico.
Two people were confirmed dead and hundreds were rescued in Roswell and surrounding areas after a record downpour led to “dangerous” flooding in the eastern New Mexico city over the weekend.
New Mexico State Police confirmed two people died as a result of a storm that brought 5.78 inches of rain to the city on Saturday, the most ever recorded in one day in Roswell, breaking a record set in 1901.
Police did not provide additional details about the death as of late Sunday evening.
Heavy rainfall caused the Spring River channel to overflow, leading to flash flooding in Roswell that meteorologists described as “extreme.” The National Weather Service in Albuquerque is predicting a 40 percent chance of additional precipitation overnight Sunday.
The New Mexico National Guard had rescued nearly 300 people from flooding by Sunday morning, the agency said. Of those rescued, 38 were taken to nearby hospitals.
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“Many motorists were left stranded as their vehicles got stuck in the floodwaters on many streets. Some people had to wait for rescue on their vehicles which were covered in water. “Some vehicles were swept away by the water in the river channel,” Roswell officials said.
City officials said search and rescue efforts continued Sunday as water levels remained high in parts of Roswell and Chavez County, flooding homes and businesses and closing the city’s airport. All roads to and from Roswell were closed overnight, authorities said.
“Please stay off the streets if possible. Flood response efforts continue and some areas remain unsafe. Debris on the streets is also a hazard,” the city said in a Sunday update. “Flooding has also damaged bridges so please stay away from any bridges.”
Authorities set up a shelter at the state fairgrounds in eastern New Mexico for those who had to leave their homes.
Monday morning flights canceled at Roswell Air Center. Officials will determine Monday whether flights can resume in the afternoon.
Daniel Borunda of the El Paso Times and Julia Gomez of USA TODAY contributed to this report.