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A flash flood threat has been issued in Ruidoso, New Mexico, as the area continues to experience heavy rainfall on Tuesday, resulting in flooding in the area that was burned out by the 2024 South Fork fire, with residents told to seek higher ground.
In a post on X, ABC News Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee wrote:
NEW MEXICO: flash flood emergency once again includes Ruidoso. The National Weather Service says that between 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain has fallen so far, with up to an additional half inch of rain possible.
“Ruidoso has been plagued by flash flooding events since the South Fork Fire left a major burn scar in the area in 2024,” she added. “Several significant flash flood events hit the area last year following the fire, and flash floods have hit the area again in recent weeks. It’s now monsoon season for the region, which brings a greater chance for thunderstorms and downpours.”
“While 1-2″ may not seem like a lot of rain, recent wildfire burn scar areas are especially prone to dangerous flash flooding and could also trigger debris flows and mudslides,” Zee’s post included. “The threshold for triggering flash flooding decreases with burned soil/ground. Lower rainfall totals could still trigger big flash flooding, and it can unfold very quickly. @danpeckwx.”
The National Weather Service reported that flood waters had reached homes and roads as videos surfaced on X showing the massive amount of water that had hit the area in a short amount of time, Weather.com reported.
