The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a critical warning for residents in New Mexico, urging them to seek higher ground immediately due to life-threatening flash floods that have inundated the area.
This summer has been marked by a series of environmental crises in the state. In June, a wildfire led to the evacuation of 7,000 residents in Ruidoso. Subsequent severe storms brought heavy rain and hail, causing significant flooding that stranded vehicles on highways.
On Monday, rain falling on a burn scar near Brady Canyon and Ruidoso Downs prompted the NWS to issue a flash flood warning, which remains in effect until 4:45 p.m. local time.
The NWS office in Albuquerque escalated the alert, announcing on X (formerly Twitter): “The Flash Flood Warning has now been upgraded to a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY! This is a life-threatening situation! Seek higher ground immediately, avoid any flooded roads, and follow all emergency management instructions, including evacuations!”
The warning graphic indicated that over 15,500 people are at risk, with potentially affected structures including nine schools and one hospital.
NWS meteorologist Carter Greulich told Newsweek that there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities related to the flooding so far.
As of 2:27 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time, the thunderstorms had subsided, but emergency management personnel reported “catastrophic impacts.” The Cherokee and Gavilan mobile home parks have been evacuated, and U.S. Highway 70 remains closed at the Apache Travel Center. Rainfall of up to 1.6 inches has been recorded, with additional rainfall of up to 0.25 inches possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing.
The warning highlighted that excessive rainfall over the burn scar is affecting the Rio Bonito, Eagle Creek, Cedar Creek, and Rio Ruidoso drainages, as well as downstream along the Rio Hondo. Impacts include all nearby reservoirs, bridges, culverts, and roadways associated with these drainages, particularly where streams converge. Properties in low-lying areas are especially vulnerable. The impact could extend as far as Picacho, New Mexico. The debris flow may include rock, mud, vegetation, and other loose materials.
The NWS is strongly advising people in the affected areas to “seek higher ground now.”
Joshua Schroeder, the National Weather Service’s science and operations officer, noted last week that New Mexico’s monsoon season began earlier than usual this year, contributing to the excessive rainfall. While daily thunderstorms typically start around July 4, this year’s monsoon season began 10 to 14 days earlier. The burn scars from recent wildfires have exacerbated the flood risk.
