Ruidoso, New Mexico, a mountain town located about 180 miles southeast of Albuquerque, has been hit hard by flash flooding for the third time in less than a month. Heavy rainfall inundated the area on Thursday, July 24, causing road closures, widespread damage and water rescues.
The town is susceptible to mudslides and increased runoff following two large fires that scorched swathes of land, known as "burn scars," in 2024.
Ruidoso officials warned on Thursday that “this is a dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.”
The area forecast from the weather service on Friday night called for calmer weather, with mostly clear skies, gentle wind and a low around 58. Saturday's prediction calls for isolated showers and thunderstorms after noon, followed by mostly sunny weather with a high near 84 and a 20% chance of precipitation. More scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible on Sunday and throughout the upcoming week.
The video filmed by Lindsey Tharpe shows a mobile home being carried away by rapid floodwaters, knocking over a tree in the process.
