RUIDOSO, N.M. – A significant winter storm, known as Winter Storm Fern, has disrupted daily life in Ruidoso, leaving thousands without power and creating dangerous driving conditions as temperatures drop.
As of 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, PNM reported that over 5,000 customers were experiencing power outages, with restoration efforts expected to commence later in the day. The power disruption has rendered all traffic signals in Midtown Ruidoso inoperable. Authorities are urging drivers to treat intersections as four-way stops and to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
In the neighboring Otero County, widespread outages are affecting various communities, including Cloudcroft, causing significant inconvenience for residents.
To assist those in need, the Ruidoso Public Library has opened its doors as a warming center, offering a safe and warm space from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 107 Kansas City Road.
The Village Emergency Operations Center is currently at Level II – High Readiness, actively coordinating efforts with various agencies to mitigate hazards related to the storm. The National Weather Service has warned of continuing freezing rain and snow persisting through Sunday, raising concerns about further power outages and hazardous road conditions.
Travel is strongly discouraged due to these dangerous conditions. In Lincoln County, Highway 54 has been closed north of Carrizozo, as local authorities report multiple vehicle crashes along the highway between Carrizozo and Corona exacerbated by the icy roads.
Despite these challenges, local emergency services are working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of the community, highlighting a collective effort to endure the storm and assist those affected.