Flash floods prompt multiple water rescues in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Flash floods triggered by persistent monsoonal rains prompted multiple water rescues near Ruidoso, New Mexico, on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The Rio Ruidoso River overflowed its banks at multiple locations after reaching flood stage. Flooding was reported along several routes, including parts of I-40, prompting multiple road closures.
Flooding along the Rio Ruidoso river at Hollywood at 14:00 MDT on July 24, 2025. Credit: USGS
Ongoing monsoonal rainfall triggered flash floods across Ruidoso and the surrounding areas on Thursday, prompting multiple flash flood warnings and water rescues.
At least five people were rescued from their vehicles after becoming trapped in floodwaters outside Ruidoso.
Slow-moving thunderstorms produced around 51 mm (2 inches) of rainfall over parts of northeastern New Mexico. Although rainfall totals were relatively low, the soil in the region was already saturated due to ongoing rainfall.
The true definition of a flash flood.
— Evan O'Regan (@EvanKFOX_CBS) July 24, 2025
Dramatic video shows how quickly floodwaters rushed down the Rio #Ruidoso today.
Time difference between the two clips is only 3 minutes.
This is why you always seek higher ground during a flash flood warning.
Lindsey Sexton#nmwx pic.twitter.com/p0QPlAGsi3
Heavy rains and minor flash flooding had also affected the region through Tuesday and Wednesday, July 22 and 23 as well.
The North Valley area recorded around 38 mm (1.5 inches) of rainfall in just 30 minutes between 16:00 and 16:30 local time (LT) on Wednesday.
The persistent rainfall also impacted burn scars from the 2022 Calf Canyon Hermit’s Peak Fire, further worsening the flooding.
Current scene in Ruidoso, where a Flash Flood Warning is in effect.
— Hannah Fresquez (@HannahKFOX14) July 24, 2025
Up to 4 feet of water is being reported in the Cree Meadows area, causing significant flooding.
Avoid flooded roads and stay alert for rapidly changing conditions.
Meg Maedgen
07/24/25#nmwx #ruidoso pic.twitter.com/MiD3IEQsv9
Multiple roads the region were closed on Thursday due to flooding. Debris flows were reported at the intersection of Geneva Road and Innsbrook Drive. The intersection of Cedar Creek Drive and Musket Ball Drive was closed due to significant road damage caused by flash flooding and debris flows.
A video shared on social media showed a house being swept down Cedar Creek as floodwaters rose. The Rio Ruidoso River overflowed its banks at multiple locations after cresting at 3.87 m (12.68 feet) on Thursday.
Although the river’s rise was significant, it remained well below the record set on July 8, when it rose to over 6 m (20 feet) during deadly flash floods. At least three people were confirmed dead after the July 8 flooding, which prompted at least 85 swift water rescues in the area.
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I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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