Torrential monsoon rains are once again slamming the fire-ravaged mountain town of Ruidoso, triggering dangerous flash flooding across the region Tuesday afternoon. The area, still reeling from the devastation left behind by the 2024 South Fork Fire, is now under an urgent Flash Flood Emergency, with residents being warned to seek higher ground immediately.
ABC News Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee issued a dire warning on X, noting, “NEW MEXICO: flash flood emergency once again includes Ruidoso.” The National Weather Service reports that between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain have already fallen, with up to another half inch possible—a seemingly modest total, but one that can be life-threatening in post-wildfire terrain.
“Ruidoso has been plagued by flash flooding events since the South Fork Fire left a major burn scar in the area in 2024,” Zee explained. “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.”
The threat stems from the way burn scars alter the landscape. “While 1-2 inches may not seem like a lot of rain,” Zee cautioned, “recent wildfire burn scar areas are especially prone to dangerous flash flooding and could also trigger debris flows and mudslides.” The soil, scorched and hydrophobic, loses its ability to absorb water, turning even light rainfall into torrents of destruction.
That destruction is already underway. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Albuquerque confirmed that floodwaters have reached roads and homes. Photos released by the agency show the Rio Ruidoso rising dramatically in the Hollywood neighborhood, with time-lapse images capturing a stark change in the river’s depth in under an hour. Footage shows houses floating away and extreme damage.
According to KTSM 9 News’ Andy Morgan, “The Village of Ruidoso confirms three people, including two children (4 and 7), have died as a result historic flash flooding that ripped through town on Tuesday. The victims were swept downstream by unprecedented floodwaters.”
“A DANGEROUS situation is unfolding in RUIDOSO!” warned the NWS in a now-viral post. “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!”
Videos shared across social media paint a grim picture. One clip shows an entire home being swept away by the surging Rio Ruidoso—water levels reportedly surged 20 feet in just 30 minutes. Another shows debris-choked floodwaters rushing through neighborhoods, dragging anything in their path.
Meteorologists are calling this another “catastrophic flood event” for the region. “Several inches of rain has fallen on burn scars from fires,” wrote a Fox35 Orlando meteorologist. “The Ruidoso River in NM rose by 20 feet+ in less than an hour, shattering a record. Videos are coming in now showing homes floating down the Ruidoso River.”
The flash flood warning for Ruidoso remains in effect until at least 7:15 PM MDT, though more storms could follow. Officials urge residents to remain alert and avoid all flood-prone areas, even after rainfall ceases.
The broader region is on edge after last week’s deadly flooding in Kerr County, Texas, where over 100 lives were lost and more than 160 remain missing. That tragic event highlights how quickly flash floods can escalate into full-blown disasters.
How many New Mexicans know that our state put orders for cloud seeding into effect last year? I read a copy of this legislation yesterday. Included in these orders is impunity for the state. The paperwork declares that the effects of geoengineering are to be considered “natural”. Once again, our government bears no responsibility for what they are doing to citizens.
We need to follow Florida’s recent example and prohibit geoengineering and weather modification activities as a third-degree felony calling for jail time.
Our state is captured by the vaccine-addled Dems who are swiftly becoming geriatric.
Government made disasters strike yet AGAIN in Ruidoso. What does Ruidoso contain that the govt wants?? Is it a lithium mine like the floods that occurred on the east coast? This whole thing smells like HAARP. It’s intentional and people need to wake up!!!
This would not be happening in Ruidoso if an arsonist had not set fire to the forest last year. Are they in jail or suffering any consequences for the death and destruction they have caused?
I only heard about an arsonist once and then crickets.
Yup, cloud seeding and Haarp.
Yes, to all the comments above! The government is corrupt beyond measure. Life in NM has been difficult and frustrating for so long that people seem to be focused on what they don’t want. Let’s try our best to focus on what we do want and stay more positive. That’s how we make real change. Thank you……