A flash flood threat has been issued in Ruidoso, New Mexico, as the area continues to experience heavy rainfall on Tuesday, resulting in flooding in the area that was burned out by the 2024 South Fork fire, with residents told to seek higher ground.
In a post on X, ABC News Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee wrote:
NEW MEXICO: flash flood emergency once again includes Ruidoso. The National Weather Service says that between 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain has fallen so far, with up to an additional half inch of rain possible.
“Ruidoso has been plagued by flash flooding events since the South Fork Fire left a major burn scar in the area in 2024,” she added. “Several significant flash flood events hit the area last year following the fire, and flash floods have hit the area again in recent weeks. It’s now monsoon season for the region, which brings a greater chance for thunderstorms and downpours.”
“While 1-2″ may not seem like a lot of rain, recent wildfire burn scar areas are especially prone to dangerous flash flooding and could also trigger debris flows and mudslides,” Zee’s post included. “The threshold for triggering flash flooding decreases with burned soil/ground. Lower rainfall totals could still trigger big flash flooding, and it can unfold very quickly. @danpeckwx.”
The National Weather Service reported that flood waters had reached homes and roads as videos surfaced on X showing the massive amount of water that had hit the area in a short amount of time, Weather.com reported.
The report noted that:
Photos posted by NWS Albuquerque show the Rio Ruidoso’s rapid rise in the Hollywood neighborhood of Ruidoso as the flood wave makes its way through the river.
Time-lapse images from NWS Albuquerque show the change in the river bed depth Tuesday afternoon.
The flood wave on the Rio Ruidoso has reached the Hollywood gage. Stay away from the river! This is a look at the change in the river depth in just 30 minutes, courtesy of the USGS! #nmwx pic.twitter.com/Z0dyILEECi
— NWS Albuquerque (@NWSAlbuquerque) July 8, 2025
Another 30 minutes later and it’s hard to tell where the riverbed is. The river is now in major flood stage at over 15 feet. Stay away from the river! Seek higher ground NOW! #nmwx pic.twitter.com/gd3ecndelG
— NWS Albuquerque (@NWSAlbuquerque) July 8, 2025
“A DANGEROUS situation is unfolding in RUIDOSO!” the NWS Albuquerque post read. “A FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY remains in effect! Seek HIGHER GROUND NOW! Do NOT attempt to drive through the floodwaters. The current will carry away your vehicle!”
One video shared from News Channel 3 showed an entire house traveling down the Rio Ruidoso after it had surged some 20 feet in 30 minutes, sweeping away any structures in its path.
BREAKING: The Rio Ruidoso River at Hollywood, NM has risen 20 feet in 30 minutes! Flash flood emergency.
The Salt Fire burn scar will leave this area vulnerable to flooding for years. #nmwxhttps://t.co/TKKk6QXM8r pic.twitter.com/xW3f55E4wJ— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) July 8, 2025
Another clip shared by KOB4 anchor showed the damage the heavy rains had caused.
#FLOODING: some of the disastrous flooding we’re seeing in @VillageRuidoso. @KOB4 @EddieGarciaKOB pic.twitter.com/weacQ0JP5h
— Tessa Mentus (@TessaMentus) July 8, 2025
Fox35 Orlando meteorologist also shared information about the intense amount of rainfall in the area and wrote on X:
ANOTHER Catastrophic Flood event unfolding NOW this Tuesday evening in New Mexico. The Ruidoso River in NM rose by 20 feet+ in less than an hour, shattering a record. Videos are coming in now breaking homes floating down the Ruidoso River. Several inches of rain has fallen on burn scars from fires. Local NWS is urging all in the area to seek immediate higher ground.
ANOTHER Catastrophic Flood event unfolding NOW this Tuesday evening in New Mexico. The Ruidoso River in NM rose by 20 feet+ in less than an hour shattering a record. Videos coming in now breaking of homes floating down the Ruidoso River. Several inches of rain has fallen on burn… pic.twitter.com/7yZufCdejH
— Noah Bergren (@NbergWX) July 8, 2025
The Flash Flood alert will continue in the area until 7:15 PM MDT.
On Friday, flash floods hit the area of Kerr County, Texas, resulting in a huge loss of life, as RedState has reported.
READ MORE: Amazing Rescue of Woman in Tree, Stunning Video Shows Just How Fast TX Flood Waters Rose
MORE: Amid Tragedy and Heartbreak in Texas, Hero Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Saves Over 160 Lives
At a press conference on Tuesday, Texas officials announced the death toll connected to the floods had risen to 109 fatalities, with 161 people still missing after flash floods hit the area, Fox News reported.
BREAKING: Texas Governor Greg Abbott announces the number of missing people in the Texas floods has risen massively to 161. It was at 40 this morning.
This is on top of 109 people already confirmed dead, including at least 30 children.
Each update keeps getting worse.
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) July 8, 2025
This is a developing story. Check back to RedState for updates.
