Flash flood hits Ruidoso on July 8 after slow moving storms soak wildfire scarred land. Heavy rain caused dangerous runoff and mudslides in the Sierra Blanca Ruidoso Flash Flood 2025 mountains, about 180 miles from Albuquerque. Water rescues of many people were undertaken. Two big fires in 2024 left burn scars that increased runoff and flood risk in the area.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque issued a flash flood emergency for Ruidoso at 3 p.m. on July 8. Warnings were in effect until 7:15pm for Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and the Hollywood neighborhood. “A DANGEROUS situation is unfolding in RUIDOSO!” the weather service posted on social media. “SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW! Do NOT drive through floodwaters. The current will take your vehicle away!” they warned.
Flash Flood Hits Ruidoso, New Mexico: Facts
A flash flood hit Ruidoso, New Mexico on Tuesday July 8 after heavy rain hit the fire scarred area. Floodwaters trap people in homes and vehicles as these waters Ruidoso Flash Flood 2025 pass through the area.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency for Ruidoso through an executive order. Local station KOB 4 reported the village has flooded several times since last year’s wildfires. They will assess the damage once the water recedes. No deaths or injuries reported.
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Flash Flood Emergency in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Heavy rain on Tuesday caused the Rio Ruidoso to overflow and trigger Ruidoso Flash Flood 2025 a flash flood. A flash flood emergency was announced by the National Weather Service due to the rising water. Crews did multiple water rescues in Ruidoso, about 150 miles southeast of Albuquerque.
On Sunday, a father and two children were washed away in a flood in Lincoln County. The National Weather Service warned about “houses with water being moved;” while saying, “if possible, move to higher ground.”
NWS images show the Rio Ruidoso water level rose 15 feet in an hour. Stay away from the river, seek higher ground, travel only if fleeing the flood. This follows recent flooding in Texas where over 100 died and over 160 are still missing. And more criticism of cuts to the National Weather Service and NOAA that left offices understaffed.
Death and Rescues
At least three people are missing from a mountain village in New Mexico Ruidoso Flash Flood 2025 following flash floods during monsoon rains. Floodwaters swept an entire house down the mountain on Tuesday in Ruidoso, a popular summer destination.
The men who had landed have proceeded to stand up and walk out of the choppers. Homeland Security’s Danielle Silva said that they rescued at least 85 people from homes and vehicles.
Ruidoso Public Information Officer Kerry Gladden has said that three persons went to the hospital and that they are in a stable condition. By Tuesday night, the water had receded, and the rescue teams were on the search for the missing people..
Public works crews were clearing debris from roads while stranded Ruidoso Flash Flood 2025 cars sat in the mud. According to Silva, two National Guard teams and several local teams responded when the flooding started. This incident occurred in Texas just days after flooding claimed the lives of over 100 people and over 150 were missing.
Flash Flood Hits Ruidoso, New Mexico
Flash flooding hit Ruidoso on July 8. The town is still recovering from last year’s fires. There is no protective boundary between the village and the hills: this is one reason for the kind of deaths and damages that this valley is seeing today. The Rio Ruidoso peaked at 20.24 feet, a new record. “A DANGEROUS situation is happening in RUIDOSO!” the NWS posted. “GET TO HIGHER GROUND NOW! Do NOT drive through floodwaters,” officials warned. According to KOB-TV, the Lincoln County Fire Department carried out multiple rescues.
Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford said homes were swept away, Ruidoso Flash Flood 2025 mudslides occurred and gas leaks developed. He also said multiple bridges went underwater during the flood. Crawford told KRUI-Radio three people are missing and several are in the hospital. The town had a big fire in June 2024 that burned over 15,000 acres and 1,400 structures. Land burned in those fires is still trying to absorb rain and that increases flash flood risk.
Why It Matters
This flash flood emergency in Ruidoso is part of a bigger trend of Ruidoso Flash Flood 2025 severe weather in the American Southwest this summer. Ruidoso follows deadly flooding in Texas, where over 160 people are still missing after the storms. New Mexico disaster now highlights heightened concerns about storms striking towns that are unprepared for fast water surges.
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What To Know
Officials warned of rising river levels threatening homes and businesses in the village. NWS Public Affairs Specialist Erica Grow Cei said the Albuquerque office issued a Flood Watch at 2:46 AM MDT for the South Central Mountains, including Ruidoso. The watch was for Noon to 8 p.m. MDT.The South Fork burn scar portion of Lincoln County is under a new Flash Flood Warning from NWS. This warning had the “considerable” flooding tag and triggered Wireless Emergency Alerts for the area.
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