Weather service declares flash flood emergency in New Mexico amid heavy rainfall

The National Weather Service (NWS) on Tuesday declared a flash flood emergency in New Mexico after heavy rainfall impacted the Ruidoso area, where dozens of people were trapped in cars and homes. 

The declaration comes after heavy flooding in Texas last Friday killed over 100 people. The massive flooding began last week near multiple summer camps in Kerr County, including an all-girl summer camp that lost 27 campers and counselors.

The NWS has issued flash flood warnings in multiple areas of New Mexico, and warned Ruidoso residents to stay away from the Ruidoso River. 

"A DANGEROUS situation is unfolding in RUIDOSO! A FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY remains in effect," the NWS' Albuquerque field office posted on X. "Seek HIGHER GROUND NOW! Do NOT attempt to drive through the floodwaters. The current will carry away your vehicle!"

Dozens of people were also forced to take shelter at the riverside Downshift Brewing Company because of the storms, which caused water in the Rio Ruidoso to rise nearly 19 feet in a matter of minutes.

No fatalities have been reported in the New Mexico flood so far, but emergency crews carried out at least 85 swift water rescues in the Ruidoso area, a state Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management official told the Associated Press. 

Some residents in Ruidoso are still unaccounted for, a spokesperson for the city told CBS News, but the number was not immediately clear. It is not clear if anyone has been injured.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.