Flash flooding in New Mexico village prompts rescues, evacuations with more rain forecast
Monsoon rains have triggered 19 Flash Flood Emergencies in burn scar areas from the South Fork and Salt fires. Firefighting crews warn soil affected by wildfires can act to repel water and inundate drainage systems.
Floodwaters inundate Ruidoso, New Mexico during monsoon rains
A village resort in south-central New Mexico saw at least its sixth Flash Flood Emergency issued within a month due to heavy rainfall.
RUIDOSO, N.M. – A village in south-central New Mexico known for attracting outdoor nature enthusiasts and cultural tourism was subject to its 13th Flash Flood Emergency due to runoff from heavy rain over burn scars left by recent wildfires.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque issued a Flash Flood Emergency around 11 p.m. local time Friday and warned that rainfall upwards of an inch would impact bridges, culverts and low-lying areas around Ruidoso.
Three additional Flash Flood Emergencies were issued Saturday as heavy rain continued to fall, bringing the total number of Flash Flood Emergencies for the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire burn scar areas to 19 since June 19. Ruidoso has been included in 13 of those 19 Flash Flood Emergencies.
The NWS Albuquerque is forecasting more excessive rainfall on Sunday, with many areas expected to see at least an inch of rainfall. A Flood Watch continues through Sunday night.
Flood alerts in New Mexico and wildfire burn scars.
(FOX Weather)
Video taken by Jesus Figueroa showed flooded streets in Ruidoso, with roadways resembling rapids around the alpine resort.
Lincoln County Emergency Management reported several evacuation orders were issued, and at least two water rescues occurred.
On Saturday, the New Mexico National Guard reported it rescued or evacuated at least 12 people and two dogs.
"You can't help but feel for these folks. Ruidoso can't seem to catch a break," the National Guard wrote on Facebook Sunday.
About 100 National Guardsmen are in Ruidoso handing out sandbags, helping with road repair and implementing flooding mitigation.
A National Guard truck parked at the entrance to the Upper Canyon neighborhood alerts residents that the area is closed on July 17, 2024 in Ruidoso, NM.
(The Washington Post / Getty Images)
Mud and debris left on roadways caused slick conditions, which contributed to at least one significant crash, Lincoln County Sheriff Michael Wood said Saturday. However, there were no reported injuries.
"The bottom line is, right now, a large part of Lincoln County in New Mexico is redesigning itself," Wood said in a video posted on Facebook. "We’re seeing what are waterways run that we’ve never seen before and create problems that we have not seen before as a result of the recent fires and the flooding. So, head on a swivel. Be very, very careful. Be very cautious."
NEW MEXICO TOWN FACES WATER CRISIS AFTER BURN SCAR FLOODING INCREASES RISK OF POLLUTION
Burn scars created by nearby fires such as the South Fork and the Salt have rendered the soil incapable of absorbing rainfall, heightening the risks of landslides and flooding.
Monsoonal rains and wildfires have led to hundreds of structures being damaged or destroyed and at least two deaths.
More than $6 million in federal assistance has been allotted to the region after President Joe Biden declared the region a major disaster area on June 20.
![Beatrice Parraz cleans up in the Cherokee Mobile Village after flooding from rain storms hit the the Salt Fire burn scar on July 16, 2024 in Ruidoso, NM.]()
Image 1 of 6Beatrice Parraz cleans up in the Cherokee Mobile Village after flooding from rain storms hit the the Salt Fire burn scar on July 16, 2024 in Ruidoso, NM. (The Washington Post/Getty)
![Caution tape on July 18, 2024 in Ruidoso, New Mexico.]()
Image 2 of 6Caution tape on July 18, 2024 in Ruidoso, New Mexico. (The Washington Post/Getty)
![Lighting during a thunderstorm on July 17, 2024 in Ruidoso, New Mexico.]()
Image 3 of 6Lighting during a thunderstorm on July 17, 2024 in Ruidoso, New Mexico. (Photo: The Washington Post/Getty) ( )
![A National Guard truck parked at the entrance to the Upper Canyon neighborhood alerts residents that the area is closed on July 17, 2024 in Ruidoso, NM.]()
Image 4 of 6A National Guard truck parked at the entrance to the Upper Canyon neighborhood alerts residents that the area is closed on July 17, 2024 in Ruidoso, NM. (The Washington Post)
![Flooding on July 20, 2024 in Ruidoso, New Mexico with National Guard on scene.]()
Image 5 of 6Flooding on July 20, 2024 in Ruidoso, New Mexico with National Guard on scene. (New Mexico National Guard)
![New Mexico National Guardsmen in Ruidoso helping with flood repairs and mitigation.]()
Image 6 of 6New Mexico National Guardsmen in Ruidoso helping with flood repairs and mitigation. (New Mexico National Guard)
Actor Matthew McConaughey even posted on social media about the village’s troubles with a link about how to help local residents.
"The fires happened, but don’t forget us," village officials posted on Facebook. "Flooding issues are a problem and in a few months this will be forgotten. The best way to assist the local people affected by the fires and floods is through the Community Foundation of Lincoln County … This fund provides daily assistance to families who have lost their homes and need immediate support."
SOUTHWEST MONSOON SEASON IS HERE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Monsoon activity shows no signs of letting up
The FOX Forecast Center warned of a heightened risk for flash flooding continuing over the next week, as monsoonal moisture is enhanced by a frontal boundary.
A ridge of high pressure located in the western U.S. and a trough of low pressure over the Plains are helping to funnel moisture into the Southwest, which will produce daily chances of showers and thunderstorms.
Rainfall amounts could approach between 1 and 2 inches, with isolated areas seeing substantially heavier amounts.
RELENTLESS ROUNDS OF RAIN, STORMS THREATEN OUTDOOR PLANS ACROSS SOUTHERN US
(FOX Weather)
A Flash Flood Watch was issued for much of New Mexico over the weekend. Alerts will likely need to be reissued as forecasts are fine-tuned to determine which communities will face the greatest threats from flooding.
Due to the increased rainfall, concerns over wildfires and heat are reduced as the region experiences an increase in cloud cover and moisture.
Fluctuations in the monsoonal pattern typically persist through mid-September before relaxing.
How a typical monsoon forms in the Southwest.
(FOX Weather)