Horrific Ruidoso flood footage: Houses floating away as streets become rivers

Torrential monsoon rains are once again slamming the fire-ravaged mountain town of Ruidoso, triggering dangerous flash flooding across the region Tuesday afternoon. The area, still reeling from the devastation left behind by the 2024 South Fork Fire, is now under an urgent Flash Flood Emergency, with residents being warned to seek higher ground immediately.

ABC News Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee issued a dire warning on X, noting, “NEW MEXICO: flash flood emergency once again includes Ruidoso.” The National Weather Service reports that between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain have already fallen, with up to another half inch possible—a seemingly modest total, but one that can be life-threatening in post-wildfire terrain.

“Ruidoso has been plagued by flash flooding events since the South Fork Fire left a major burn scar in the area in 2024,” Zee explained. “Several significant flash flood events hit the area last year following the fire, and flash floods have hit the area again in recent weeks. It’s now monsoon season for the region, which brings a greater chance for thunderstorms and downpours.”

The threat stems from the way burn scars alter the landscape. “While 1-2 inches may not seem like a lot of rain,” Zee cautioned, “recent wildfire burn scar areas are especially prone to dangerous flash flooding and could also trigger debris flows and mudslides.” The soil, scorched and hydrophobic, loses its ability to absorb water, turning even light rainfall into torrents of destruction.

That destruction is already underway. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Albuquerque confirmed that floodwaters have reached roads and homes. Photos released by the agency show the Rio Ruidoso rising dramatically in the Hollywood neighborhood, with time-lapse images capturing a stark change in the river’s depth in under an hour. Footage shows houses floating away and extreme damage.

According to KTSM 9 News’ Andy Morgan, “The Village of Ruidoso confirms three people, including two children (4 and 7), have died as a result historic flash flooding that ripped through town on Tuesday. The victims were swept downstream by unprecedented floodwaters.”

“A DANGEROUS situation is unfolding in RUIDOSO!” warned the NWS in a now-viral post. “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!”

Videos shared across social media paint a grim picture. One clip shows an entire home being swept away by the surging Rio Ruidoso—water levels reportedly surged 20 feet in just 30 minutes. Another shows debris-choked floodwaters rushing through neighborhoods, dragging anything in their path.

Meteorologists are calling this another “catastrophic flood event” for the region. “Several inches of rain has fallen on burn scars from fires,” wrote a Fox35 Orlando meteorologist. “The Ruidoso River in NM rose by 20 feet+ in less than an hour, shattering a record. Videos are coming in now showing homes floating down the Ruidoso River.”

The flash flood warning for Ruidoso remains in effect until at least 7:15 PM MDT, though more storms could follow. Officials urge residents to remain alert and avoid all flood-prone areas, even after rainfall ceases.

The broader region is on edge after last week’s deadly flooding in Kerr County, Texas, where over 100 lives were lost and more than 160 remain missing. That tragic event highlights how quickly flash floods can escalate into full-blown disasters.

The post Horrific Ruidoso flood footage: Houses floating away as streets become rivers appeared first on Piñon Post.