Severe flash flooding swept through the town of Ruidoso, New Mexico on Tuesday following heavy rainfall that caused the Rio Ruidoso to rise approximately 20 feet within a single hour.
The rapid surge of water flooded homes and businesses, washed away property, and prompted emergency warnings across the region.
HOMES FLOODING IN RUIDOSO, NEW MEXICO, as river rises 20 feet in only 30 minutes!
📷 Kevin Egolf pic.twitter.com/UUYYpqOlsq
— Max Velocity (@MaxVelocityWX) July 8, 2025
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According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, the town faced an immediate and life-threatening situation.
In a public post on X, the agency stated, “A DANGEROUS situation is unfolding in RUIDOSO! A FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY remains in effect! Seek HIGHER GROUND NOW! Do NOT attempt to drive through the floodwaters. The current will carry away your vehicle!”
A DANGEROUS situation is unfolding in RUIDOSO! A FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY remains in effect! Seek HIGHER GROUND NOW! Do NOT attempt to drive through the floodwaters. The current will carry away your vehicle! #nmwx
— NWS Albuquerque (@NWSAlbuquerque) July 8, 2025
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The impact of the flood was captured in multiple videos shared across social media.
One widely circulated clip showed a house being swept downstream by the powerful current.
🚨 BREAKING: A MASSIVE flooding event is unfolding right now in Ruidoso, New Mexico
A large structure can be seen being swept down the river
The water level has risen 20 FEET in a matter of 30 minutes, shattering previous records, per @MaxVelocityWX
Pray for these folks 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/zusPXT2MCP
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 8, 2025
In another video posted to Facebook by La Salsa Kitchen, a local Mexican restaurant in Ruidoso, fast-moving floodwaters could be seen overtaking the area.
The restaurant noted in its post that it would be “starting a GoFundMe” not only to support their own business and employees, but also to assist others in the community affected by the disaster to “get back on their feet.”
The flash flooding followed torrential rain in an area already vulnerable due to fire damage earlier in the summer.
NBC News reported that “town officials said the rain would cause severe flash flooding in streams, creeks and ditches in the area burned by the South Fork Fire,” which ignited in June 2024.
The fire left large areas of scorched terrain, increasing the risk of debris flow and runoff during heavy rains.
The New York Times reported that three individuals had been transported to the Presbyterian Lincoln County Medical Center.
A hospital spokeswoman confirmed that the patients were in stable condition.
The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but early images and videos from residents and business owners show widespread destruction to property and infrastructure.
Debris-laden water coursed through downtown areas and residential neighborhoods, carrying vehicles and large objects downriver.
MAJOR flash flooding now in progress in and near the Ruidoso, New Mexico!!
Say prayers. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/74HmEGEtef
— Jammles (@jammles9) July 8, 2025
As emergency services respond to the unfolding crisis, local agencies continue to urge residents to avoid flood zones and remain alert for further warnings.
The National Weather Service and local authorities are continuing to monitor the situation as additional rain remains a possibility.
La Salsa Kitchen’s fundraising effort is among the first community-led responses to the flooding, with more support efforts expected as the town begins recovery.
Local officials have not yet released an official count of displaced residents or structural damage.
The full scope of the flooding’s impact on Ruidoso will become clearer in the coming days as emergency crews complete rescue and assessment operations.
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