In a post on X, ABC News Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee wrote:
NEW MEXICO: The town of Ruidoso is once again under a flash flood emergency. The National Weather Service reports that between 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain has already fallen, with an additional half inch still possible.
“Since the South Fork Fire in 2024, Ruidoso has been repeatedly affected by flash floods due to the burn scar left in the area,” she stated. “Numerous significant flash flood events followed last year’s fire, and more floods have occurred recently. With monsoon season now underway, the chances of thunderstorms and heavy rain are increased.”
The National Weather Service indicated that floodwaters had reached homes and roads. Videos shared on X showed the large volumes of water inundating the area in a brief period, according to Weather.com.
The report noted that:
Time-lapse images from NWS Albuquerque show the change in the river bed depth Tuesday afternoon.
The flood wave on the Rio Ruidoso has reached the Hollywood gage. Stay away from the river! This is a look at the change in the river depth in just 30 minutes, courtesy of the USGS! #nmwx pic.twitter.com/Z0dyILEECi
— NWS Albuquerque (@NWSAlbuquerque) July 8, 2025
— NWS Albuquerque (@NWSAlbuquerque) July 8, 2025
One video shared from News Channel 3 showed an entire house traveling down the Rio Ruidoso after it had surged some 20 feet in 30 minutes, sweeping away any structures in its path.
BREAKING: The Rio Ruidoso River at Hollywood, NM has risen 20 feet in 30 minutes! Flash flood emergency.
The Salt Fire burn scar will leave this area vulnerable to flooding for years. #nmwx pic.twitter.com/xW3f55E4wJ
— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) July 8, 2025
Another clip shared by KOB4 anchor showed the damage the heavy rains had caused.
#FLOODING: some of the disastrous flooding we’re seeing in @VillageRuidoso. @KOB4 @EddieGarciaKOB pic.twitter.com/weacQ0JP5h
— Tessa Mentus (@TessaMentus) July 8, 2025
Fox35 Orlando meteorologist also shared information about the intense amount of rainfall in the area and wrote on X:
ANOTHER Catastrophic Flood event unfolding NOW this Tuesday evening in New Mexico. The Ruidoso River in NM rose by 20 feet+ in less than an hour, shattering a record. Videos are coming in now breaking homes floating down the Ruidoso River. Several inches of rain has fallen on burn scars from fires. Local NWS is urging all in the area to seek immediate higher ground.
ANOTHER Catastrophic Flood event unfolding NOW this Tuesday evening in New Mexico. The Ruidoso River in NM rose by 20 feet+ in less than an hour shattering a record. Videos coming in now breaking of homes floating down the Ruidoso River. Several inches of rain has fallen on burn… pic.twitter.com/7yZufCdejH
— Noah Bergren (@NbergWX) July 8, 2025
The Flash Flood alert will continue in the area until 7:15 PM MDT.
On Friday, flash floods hit the area of Kerr County, Texas, resulting in a huge loss of life, as RedState has reported.
READ MORE: Amazing Rescue of Woman in Tree, Stunning Video Shows Just How Fast TX Flood Waters Rose
MORE: Amid Tragedy and Heartbreak in Texas, Hero Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Saves Over 160 Lives
At a press conference on Tuesday, Texas officials announced the death toll connected to the floods had risen to 109 fatalities, with 161 people still missing after flash floods hit the area, Fox News reported.
BREAKING: Texas Governor Greg Abbott announces the number of missing people in the Texas floods has risen massively to 161. It was at 40 this morning.
This is on top of 109 people already confirmed dead, including at least 30 children.
Each update keeps getting worse.
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) July 8, 2025
This is a developing story. Check back to RedState for updates.
