A Flood Watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. MDT today, Tuesday, for Ruidoso and burn scar areas including Hermits Peak, South Fork, and Salt Fire zones. After battling wildfires earlier this season and in 2022, these areas are now on edge again—this time, it’s not fire, but fast-moving water they must fear.
Meteorologists say today’s storm system is no ordinary rainfall event. These are power-packed thunderstorms capable of dropping intense bursts of rain—up to three-quarters of an inch per hour. And when that water hits scorched terrain, it doesn’t soak in—it rushes downhill, carrying debris, ash, and mud with it.
What Makes This So Dangerous?
The ground around Ruidoso and Hermits Peak has been altered by wildfire. Instead of absorbing water, the soil now acts like pavement, pushing rain into dry arroyos and creek beds with terrifying speed.
What’s at risk?
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Low-lying roads can flood in minutes
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Hiking trails and mountain slopes may see sudden mudslides
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Storm drains and gullies could overflow dangerously fast
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Homes near creeks or runoff channels are especially vulnerable
Anyone in or near these burn scar regions should avoid hiking, camping, or traveling near dry washes or canyon bottoms today. Flash floods move fast, often with zero warning, and can be deadly.
Who Needs to Be Ready
If you live in or near:
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Ruidoso
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South Fork burn area
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Salt Fire zones
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Hermits Peak / Calf Canyon scar from 2022
…you’re on high alert. Even brief thunderstorms can create life-threatening conditions in these areas.
What You Should Do Right Now
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Don’t drive through flooded roads — It only takes 6 inches of fast-moving water to knock you off your feet, and 12 inches to sweep away most cars.
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Stay alert to emergency alerts from the National Weather Service. Watches can quickly turn into Warnings.
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Charge your phone, plan your exit routes, and avoid outdoor activities this afternoon.
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Keep children and pets inside, especially near creeks or ditches.
What to Expect Tonight
The biggest storm threat is expected this afternoon into the evening. Some storms could last into the night, and with saturated soils, the danger of mudslides and additional flooding remains high. While the official watch ends at 9 p.m., stay weather-aware overnight.
Why It’s So Serious
After a wildfire, the landscape changes. Soil becomes hydrophobic—meaning it repels water. This turns a light rainstorm into a flood nightmare. Water has nowhere to go but down—and it gathers speed, mud, and destruction as it moves.
In 2022, flash flooding over burn scars caused deadly mudflows in New Mexico. The same could happen again—today.
Final Reminder:
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If you see water covering the road: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
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Watch the skies and stay informed through trusted weather sources.
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Today’s sunshine could be followed by disaster if we underestimate the skies.
