Local News
Catastrophic Flash Flood Emergency: Rio Ruidoso in New Mexico Rises 17 Feet in 20 Minutes
RUIDOSO, NM — A flash flood emergency has been declared in Ruidoso, New Mexico, after the Rio Ruidoso River surged approximately 20 feet in just 30 minutes Tuesday afternoon, causing catastrophic flooding and sweeping away structures in its path.
The flooding began around 3:00 p.m. in the Upper Canyon area of the Rio Ruidoso following intense rainfall and rapid runoff over the Salt Fire burn scar, a result of last year’s wildfire.
BREAKING: The Rio Ruidoso River at Hollywood, NM has risen 20 feet in 30 minutes! Flash flood emergency. Up on Brady Canyon Rd. The water rose 8 ft in a matter of minutes.#nmwxhttps://t.co/TKKk6QXeiT pic.twitter.com/982PvRRC0T— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) July 8, 2025
The combination of scorched terrain and heavy monsoon rains has created extremely hazardous conditions throughout the region.
Dramatic footage shared on social media shows a home being carried downstream by raging floodwaters, with water levels inundating streets and washing away vehicles.
Many residents and observers have described the flooding as the worst in recent memory, with some calling it unprecedented.
The wild horses that often graze along the riverbanks were reportedly seen retreating to higher ground — a sign locals have come to associate with incoming natural danger.
Officials are urging all residents and visitors in Ruidoso and downstream communities to seek higher ground immediately, avoid low-lying areas, and monitor alerts from the National Weather Service and local emergency management.
This situation remains extremely dangerous and life-threatening, and authorities caution that the aftermath of this event will likely persist for years, especially due to the environmental instability caused by the Salt Fire burn scar.
If you have loved ones in the area, please check on their safety and urge them to follow all evacuation or emergency directives.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.