A South Central New Mexico resort town was hit with devastating flash flooding on July 8. Sluggish storms moved over areas still recovering from burns due to wildfires the previous year. This flash flooding is leaving multiple people trapped in homes and vehicles. This led to several water rescues in Ruidoso, a mountain town about 180 miles southeast of Albuquerque, in the Sierra Blanca mountain range. In this article, you will learn more about this situation and know the steps that are being taken.
The Town is Prone to Mudslides and Increased Runoff
Due to two large fires that burned tracts of land (known as “burn scars” in 2024), this town is susceptible to increased runoffs and mudslides. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque issued a flash flood emergency for Ruidoso at around 3 p.m. local time on July 8. Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, and the neighborhood of Hollywood got a flash flood warning until 7:15 PM as per the weather service.
The Weather Service’s Social Media Message
The Weather Service gave the following warning to residents on social media: “A DANGEROUS situation is unfolding in RUIDOSO! 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!”
Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford Speaks on Reports
While speaking on a local radio station, Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford reported numerous gas leaks at homes that floodwaters and landslides had damaged or swept away. She also stated that many bridges in the area suffered damage or became submerged.
No Reports of Death and Injuries Due to the Flooding
There are no confirmed reports of deaths or injuries due to the flooding. Emergency teams already pre-arranged by local law enforcement and the National Guard conducted around 85 swift-water rescues in and around Ruidoso. Many victims were stuck in their vehicles and homes due to the flooding.
Few Ruidoso Residents Seperated Due to the Flooding
NewsChannel3Now, a local station shared a video of a house swept away in the river. The officials requested people living near Rio Ruidoso to immediately move to higher ground and avoid driving through the flooded roadways. Kerry Gladden, public information officer for the village of Ruidoso said that the water/fire teams, and police were conducting rescues in the city.
Many Water Rescues Happened Today
Gladden also told the El Paso Times, part of the USA TODAY Network the following: “There were water rescues that did happen today, along with people trapped in their homes with water around them.” He continued, “We have lots of people separated because some were at work or at home,” Gladden said. “We’re providing a conduit so if anyone has been unable to make contact with a family member, we can help facilitate that.”
People Got Admitted to the Hospital
Although no deaths occurred on July 8, emergency responders transported a few people to the hospital. The Mayor urged residents to stay in dry, elevated areas and opened temporary shelters for those in need.
Ruidoso also provided a phone number 575-637-0398, for families who get separated in the flooding. The Emergency call center over there is working their best to reunite residents who may not be able to get in touch with their friends and families.
The Ruidoso Gage Shows the Highest Level Ever Recorded at the Rio Ruidoso.
The National Weather Service said that the Rio Ruidoso at the Hollywood gage, which is on the border of the Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs Racetracks, reached a record high. The river reached its highest point of 20.24 feet on July 8, 2017, which is higher than previous year’s highest point of 15.86 feet.
Mike Hardiman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in El Paso, said that officials issued the flash flood emergency because slow-moving storms dumped water over the burn scars from the South Fork Fire. He added that by 3:30 p.m. on July 8, the mountains had already received up to three inches of rain.
The Village of Ruidoso Had Earlier Warned
Ruidoso’s village had warned that burn scars from wildfires would cause streams, creeks, and ditches to flood quickly and severely.
The storms and heavy rain that caused the flash floods happened during the United States’ monsoon season, which usually starts in mid- to late June and lasts until September. The meteorological agency said that flash floods “may develop within minutes, depending on the intensity of the rainfall, the topography, soil conditions, and ground cover.”
Floodwaters Inundated the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, Submerging Horses Up to Their Knees.
Quarter horse trainer Marc Jungers said the water rose to four feet inside his barn. “The track (Ruidoso Downs) is underwater. Today, Mother Nature got us. We just want to make sure the horses are okay and safe,” Jungers told the El Paso Times.
Eric Valenzuela, a trainer of quarter horses, noted that the flood severely damaged the track and affected the jockeys’ area. He said the stables he kept on higher ground didn’t suffer much damage, but he remained unsure about the rest of the meet.
Videos Show Rapid Floods in Ruidoso
Dramatic videos on social media and news sites showed floodwaters wrenching a house from its foundation and crashing it down the brown, murky waters of the flood-swollen Rio Ruidoso, where it hit trees along the way.
Eddie Garcia, the chief meteorologist for Albuquerque NBC affiliate KOB 4, posted a video on Facebook of floodwaters taking away a cottage. “A flood carried away a house in Ruidoso 30 minutes to an hour ago. There is a flash flood emergency till 5:15. Garcia said on Facebook, “If you live in the area, go to higher ground.”
Final Thoughts
The flash flooding in Ruidoso, New Mexico, has caused a lot of damage, trapping dozens of people and forcing many emergency rescues. There have been no deaths recorded, but the situation is still perilous because homes have been wrecked, roads are flooded, and infrastructure is under a lot of stress. Officials are still telling people to stay in touch with emergency services, stay away from flooding, and seek higher ground. The community has a long way to go as recovery operations continue, and there are still risks of more flooding and mudslides.
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