Flash Floods Devastate Southeast New Mexico Since Late June

Flash Floods Continue to Ravage Southeast New Mexico
Since June 29, the National Weather Service (NWS) has documented 41 flash flood events causing widespread destruction in southeast New Mexico. The most recent incident occurred just after 11 p.m. on July 10, when a house was displaced by 10 feet during a flash flood near downtown Ruidoso, resulting in a gas leak and water line break.
While there has been a two-day respite from rain, forecasters are urging residents, particularly around the South Fork and Salt fire burn scars, to stay alert for potential flash floods over the coming weekend. Burn scars are prone to rapid flooding and debris flows due to reduced soil absorption and vegetation loss.
The South Fork and Salt Fires, which began on June 17, have burned nearly 18,000 and 8,000 acres respectively, and are now mostly contained. Despite the current dry spell, forecasters emphasize that even minor thunderstorms can trigger severe flooding in these areas.
Other significant flood reports from July 10 include a shipping container being swept away, a road collapse near Sudderth Drive and NM Highway 70, and the rescue of three people from an SUV in the Rio Ruidoso.
Residents are advised to remain weather-aware, have multiple sources for NWS warnings, and be prepared to seek higher ground if necessary.