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People rescued after floods in and around Ruidoso
Ruidoso Downs Race Track reached an agreement Sunday to move its remaining 2024 races to the Albuquerque Downs due to continued flooding. This photo was taken by the Lincoln County Emergency Manager.
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Some rescues took place after more than an inch of rain caused flooding in and around fire-scarred Ruidoso on Saturday afternoon.
National Weather Service of Albuquerque meteorologist Todd Shoemake said about 1½ inches of rain fell at Cow Mountain, outside Ruidoso.
“As badly burned as that area is, it takes a half-inch of rain to lead to flooding,” he said.
Lincoln County emergency management specialist Michael Scales said N.M. 48 flooded. No one had to evacuate, though some people had to be rescued from their vehicles or homes. People in low-lying areas sought higher ground. No one was reported injured.
Scales added that Ruidoso Downs flooded and the damage is still being assessed.
“As the water recedes,” he said, “we will have to do some major cleanup.”
Shoemake said rain chances for the Ruidoso area will decrease to 30% on Sunday, but will increase to 40% Monday and 60% Tuesday.
“If you can stay out of town, it would be the best,” he said. “It’s a vulnerable situation.”
While flooding remains a concern, the rains have helped with fire containment. As of Saturday morning, containment increased to 77% for both the South Fork and Salt fires, which have burned about 25,500 acres, a Southwest Area Incident Team update said.
The update said that all no entry or exclusion zones are open.
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“There are still firefighters, firefighting equipment, utility company workers and vehicles traveling through the area,” the update said. “Please be patient and allow them to complete their work.”
