Videos of drivers trapped in vehicles submerged in Ruidoso flood waters are making the rounds on social media — a stark reminder of the importance of following warnings from local emergency officials.
The images were shared by Ruidoso News on Monday, June 23, and captured a person being rescued from a vehicle by emergency crews near Ruidoso Downs, on Highway 70 and Cliff Road. In another video, flood waters could be seen moving swiftly around at least two vehicles in the same area.
Ruidoso, along with other parts of New Mexico and West Texas, is under a flash flood watch until Wednesday, June 25. Some areas could receive one to three inches of rainfall, while isolated areas may experience up to four inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service.
In Ruidoso, multiple rounds of heavy rainfall are anticipated over the South Fork and Salt Fire burn scars over the next several days, according to the National Weather Service. Nearly two inches of rainfall is expected to fall through Wednesday, June 25, but up to five inches could fall in a worst-case scenario.
The flash flooding has the potential to be “catastrophic” and “life-threatening,” said the National Weather Service.
Ruidoso provides map with real-time road updates
If you are a Ruidoso resident or planning a visit, the village has released a real-time road conditions map.
The RAIN (Ruidoso Alert Information Network) map is provided to inform the public about flooded roads and is continuously updated, according to the Village of Ruidoso.
The map also displays any active wildfires in the area.
What do I do before a flood?
Sometimes floods develop slowly, and forecasters can anticipate where a flood will happen days or weeks before it occurs. Often, flash floods can occur within minutes, sometimes without any visible sign of rain. Being prepared can save your life and give you peace of mind.
Safety tips during a flood
During a flood, water levels and the rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Stay informed and monitor local radio and television stations. Avoid flood waters at all costs and evacuate immediately when water starts to rise.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Flood waters trap drivers in Ruidoso as more ‘life-threatening’ flash flooding possible
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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