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.
SURF CITY, N.C. — Emergency crews are battling a large multi-structure fire in Surf City that has already destroyed at least three homes and a large boat, according to reports from the scene and emergency radio traffic.
The blaze reportedly began near 5th Street, directly across from The Trailer Bar, and quickly spread to multiple nearby residences and a docked vessel.
Witnesses described seeing towering flames and heavy smoke visible from several blocks away as firefighters worked to contain the rapidly expanding fire.
Scanner reports indicate that multiple fire departments and emergency agencies from surrounding areas have been dispatched to assist Surf City Fire and Rescue in controlling the blaze and preventing it from spreading further.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire or whether there are any injuries.
Residents in the area were urged to avoid 5th Street and surrounding roads to allow emergency personnel full access to the scene.
This is a developing story, and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available from Surf City officials and emergency services.