Flash flood emergency, evacuation issued for South Fork burn scar on Wednesday

RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) – An emergency alert and evacuation order was issued for those in the Upper Canyon area of Ruidoso on Wednesday at 11 a.m. due to expected heavy rainfall and flash flooding of the South Fork burn scar. Everyone in or near the Upper Canyon is urged to leave the area immediately.

Lincoln County Emergency Services said floods resulted in at least 31 water rescues and 24 evacuations throughout the area on Wednesday. There were reports of people getting stuck on the roads and in their homes.

A person stuck in an arroyo was rescued safely and emergency services said no deaths or severe injuries were reported. “It is just wild, I mean cars just being swept away. Swiftwater Rescue we just saw go down there to rescue somebody out of the drainage,” said Walter Ratliff, ASAP Oilfield Services.

Lincoln County Emergency Services said that water filtration systems are not a major concern because the wells and water tanks are located in higher areas. The only exception is the Upper Canyon Area.

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They did warn that they’ve gotten reports of gas tanks floating through the water. “Mostly from residences if we have a mobile home or an RV parked around, some people have propane tanks and the lines break free from the water pushing the tanks and all of a sudden you have gas blowing everywhere,” said Michael Scales, Lincoln County Emergency Services.

With rain expected through the week, evacuations will continue for people in low-lying areas.

Road Closures

According to the Village of Ruidoso, the following roads are closed:

  • Sleepy Hollow

  • Paradise at Hull, County Club, and Phillips Circle

  • Main Road at South 3

Resources

An evacuation shelter has been established at the White Mountain Sports Complex, 687 Hull Road, Ruidoso. Sandbags are available at Fire Station 2, Wingfield Park, and Gateway Church of Christ. Because flooding can cause gas leaks, anyone who smells gas is asked to contact Zia Natural Gas at 800-520-4277 or 575-378-4277.

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Due to the expected rain and flash flooding, FEMA closed its Disaster Recovery Centers at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. They are expected to resume normal operations starting at 7 a.m. on Thursday.

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A flash flood emergency for the South Fork burn scar and below the Salt burn scar was issued on Tuesday, causing evacuation orders for many parts of the village.

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