The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an urgent warning for residents in New Mexico to find higher ground immediately due to dangerous flash flooding hitting the area.
This summer has been tough for New Mexico, facing several natural disasters. In June, a massive wildfire forced 7,000 residents in Ruidoso to evacuate. Severe storms followed, bringing heavy rain and hail that led to cars being stranded on highways.
On Monday, rain in burn areas near Brady Canyon and Ruidoso Downs triggered a flash flood warning that’s set to last until 4:45 p.m. local time.
“The Flash Flood Warning has been escalated to a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY!” the NWS office in Albuquerque shared on X (formerly Twitter). “This is a life-threatening situation! Seek higher ground now, stay away from flooded roads, and follow all emergency orders, including evacuations!”
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! #nmwx https://t.co/xX3Zybz6UU
— NWS Albuquerque (@NWSAlbuquerque) July 29, 2024
According to the latest updates, over 15,500 people are at risk in the affected areas, which also include nine schools and one hospital.
As of 2:27 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time, thunderstorms had stopped, but emergency reports showed “catastrophic impacts.” Cherokee and Gavilan mobile home parks have been evacuated, and U.S. Highway 70 is closed at the Apache Travel Center. Rainfall has reached up to 1.6 inches, with an extra 0.25 inches possible.
The ongoing flash flooding is affecting the Rio Bonito, Eagle Creek, Cedar Creek, and Rio Ruidoso drainages, as well as potentially reaching locations downstream along the Rio Hondo. Vulnerable properties in low-lying areas are particularly at risk, and falling debris may include mud, rocks, and vegetation.
If you’re in the impacted areas, the NWS strongly urges you to “seek higher ground now.”