EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — Severe weather prompted emergency response efforts across El Paso on Saturday evening, including the evacuation of 16 homes following flooding and a water rescue involving a vehicle, according to the City of El Paso Office of Emergency Management.
The OEM activated the Emergency Operations Center at Level 3, Increased Readiness, in response to the severe weather.
The conditions also forced the early conclusion of the city’s Día de los Muertos celebration.
Emergency crews responded to a water rescue involving a vehicle on South Desert Boulevard.
Officials said the water has since subsided, the vehicle was moved to a safe area, and no injuries were reported.
Crews also responded to flooding near Dawnlight after a reservoir overflowed, prompting the evacuation of 16 homes.
The American Red Cross and Sun Metro were called in to assist affected families.
According to city officials, all evacuated residents have a place to stay at this time.
El Paso Water deployed water vacuum trucks to help address flooding in the affected area. The OEM also remains prepared to coordinate additional shelter assistance if needed.
As a precaution, water rescue teams remain staged throughout the city, while partner agencies are on standby to respond if weather conditions deteriorate.
Although the threat from severe weather has decreased, officials warned that additional storms remain possible.
The city is urging residents to exercise caution on slick or flooded roads and to never attempt to drive through standing or moving water.
The City of El Paso and the OEM said they will continue monitoring weather conditions and coordinating emergency responses as needed.