Dramatic video shows sheriff stuck on roof of car during flooding in New Mexico

A New Mexico police officer was rescued from flooding over the weekend after becoming trapped on the roof of his patrol car, according to a video shared by the Chaves County Sheriff’s Office.

Video posted Sunday on the sheriff’s office’s Facebook page of Sheriff Mike Herrington shows him speaking into his phone’s camera as police lights flash around him. Below him, the rushing of the water can be seen and heard in the dark.

“At this point I’m sitting on the roof of my patrol car,” Herrington, dressed in a yellow windbreaker, tells the camera. “I’m completely surrounded by water… I came here not expecting so much water, and before I knew it, I was swept away. Several vehicles were also washed away,” he says in the approximately one and a half minute clip.

After panning to show the sheer extent of the flooding that had swallowed other cars, Herrington took the opportunity to warn county residents to stay home and avoid the roads.

“Everyone out here is careful, taking care of themselves and I’m just waiting for the water to go down,” he says at the end of the clip.

Sheriff Herrington was later rescued unharmed, the office confirmed to the BBC.

New Mexico was hit by rain and flooding over the weekend

New Mexico experienced record-breaking rainfall and flash flooding over the weekend, resulting in two deaths and 300 rescues by the New Mexico National Guard.

Flooding entered homes and other buildings and swept cars off the streets, leaving some people on the roofs of their homes or vehicles waiting for rescue. Due to severe flooding and debris carried by the water, several areas remain dangerous and inaccessible as of Wednesday, and residents are still advised to avoid driving on local roads if possible, officials said.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued an emergency declaration for Roswell and Chaves counties on Monday and allocated $1 million in state funding for flood relief efforts in and around Roswell, the city announced.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch: Sheriff stranded on roof of car amid flooding in New Mexico