19 Flash Flood Emergencies for New Mexico burn scar area in a month leads to rescues, evacuations
Ruidoso, New Mexico, hasn't had a break from natural disasters this summer. Of the 38 Flash Flood Emergencies issued by the National Weather Service this year, half of those included the South Fork and Salt Fire burn scars.
Monsoon rains causing devastating flooding along New Mexico burn scars
Burn scars near Ruidoso, New Mexico have experienced more than a dozen Flash Flood Emergencies in the past month. Flood Watches continues for a large area of central New Mexico with daily thunderstorms and heavy rain.
RUIDOSO, N.M. – A Flash Flood Emergency is no longer a rarity in the village of Ruidoso after the community experienced dire flooding over the past month, prompting the National Weather Service to issue more than a dozen of its most severe flooding alerts.
Over this weekend, Flash Flood Emergencies were issued four times for the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire burn scar areas, including Ruidoso. Since June 19, the NWS has issued 19 Flash Flood Emergencies, with Ruidoso included in 13.
"We just need to be prepared and not be scared," Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford said on Sunday on The Mountain Radio. "Get whatever you need and get back to a safe place."
Flash Flood Emergencies issued by the National Weather Service since 2003. (FOX Weather)
According to National Weather Service data, the U.S. has averaged 36 Flash Flood Emergencies yearly since 2003. This year, there have been 38, with New Mexico making up half of those emergency alerts.
A Flash Flood Emergency is issued when flash flooding becomes life-threatening and could cause catastrophic damage.
"It was a matter of 45 minutes to torrential downpour," Senior service hydrologist Andrew Mangham, with NWS Albuquerque, told the Ruidoso mayor on Sunday.
The New Mexico National Guard rescued at least a dozen people and two dogs from Ruidoso on Saturday after flash flooding from Rio Ruidoso, which quickly overtook canyons, culverts, and creeks.
Flooding damaged Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino, causing officials to move the remainder of the 2024 Race Meet and horse sales to the Downs of Albuquerque.
"We gotta keep the wheels on the bus, and we’re going to proceed. So the decision has been made to continue the Ruidoso Downs Meet at the Downs of Albuquerque," General Manager Rick Baugh said in a video.
New Mexico battling monsoon floods and wildfires
Kerry Gladden, public information officer for the village of Ruidoso in New Mexico, joined FOX Weather to talk about the destruction caused by recent wildfires and floods. July 23, 2024.
The community known for its cultural tourism and natural beauty hasn't had a break from natural disasters since June when the South Fork and Salt wildfires claimed two lives and destroyed more than 25,000 acres between the two fires.
The wildfire burn scars and the Southwest monsoon season have created the conditions contributing to dangerous flash flooding. The terrain is less absorbent, and torrential rains can quickly turn into flooding, which has happened repeatedly over the past month.
Southwest flash flood threat through Wednesday. (FOX Weather)
According to Kerry Gladden, the public information officer for the Village of Riudoso, more than 1,500 homes have been lost due to the floods and wildfires.
Unfortunately, it's unclear when central New Mexico will get a break from the relentless rains and flooding. Monsoonal rainstorms are forecast for the next seven days.
Scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms are possible again on Monday, which could cause local flash flooding. The FOX Forecast Center is tracking low to moderate flooding potential across the Southwest through Wednesday.
Ruidoso is forecast to receive up to another inch to 1.5 inches of rain through next weekend.