Heavy rainfall in central New Mexico has once again caused flash flooding in Ruidoso, a town still recovering from last year’s devastating wildfires. The situation escalated on Monday when muddy waters surged through the streets, forcing vehicles to be swept backward and trapping people inside. Ruidoso News shared several rescues on social media, highlighting the urgent response required as floodwaters reached car windows.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Ruidoso, leading through Wednesday, with forecasts indicating a potential accumulation of up to 4 inches of rain in some parts of central New Mexico. With showers and thunderstorms expected throughout the week, residents are urged to stay vigilant.
The town of Ruidoso is still reeling from the aftermath of last year’s fires, which led to extensive evacuations and left a significant impact on the community. The South Fork and Salt Fires resulted in the tragic loss of two lives and damaged over 500 properties, leading to toxic smoke that rendered local water supplies undrinkable. Following those events, Ruidoso experienced a series of flash floods during the monsoon season.
In response to ongoing concerns over flooding, Ruidoso officials have launched an interactive floodplain map to provide residents with critical information about the risk areas. Additionally, sandbags are available for pickup at designated locations, including the Ruidoso Convention Center and Wingfield Park. Authorities have warned that the flood threat remains elevated due to the burn scars, which are expected to pose risks for the next five years.
As the community band together to face these challenges, Ruidoso’s resilience shines through in their preparation and proactive measures to safeguard residents. Hope remains for recovery and safety as they navigate through this difficult period.