Overview

• The National Weather Service in Albuquerque issued an ongoing flash flood emergency for Ruidoso and warned residents not to drive through floodwaters due to deadly currents.
• NOAA radar data recorded the Rio Ruidoso rising nearly 20 feet in about 30 minutes after intense storms passed over the nearby South Fork burn scar.
• Social media footage and official reports confirmed multiple homes and outbuildings were swept away by powerful flood currents.
• Senator Martin Heinrich urged immediate evacuation to higher ground while the Village of Ruidoso established multiple refuge centers to shelter displaced residents.
• Despite extensive property damage, local authorities report no injuries or fatalities and continue comprehensive damage assessments under the active emergency declaration.