Ruidoso road closures established during Flash Floods

RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) – Because of the weather, a portion of Ruidoso was evacuated this weekend.

Recently, wildfires have impacted Lincoln County, including Ruidoso. Many structures were burned, and recent rainfall over burn scars has caused flooding.

On Saturday, residents in the Upper Canyon Area were asked to evacuate due to “unstable soil and life-threatening flood waters.” Residents who live close to the river were asked to leave for higher ground as well.

An evacuation shelter is located at the White Mountain Relief Center (White Mountain Sports Complex at 687 Hull Road).

Multiple roads are closed. They are: Hull Road from Royal to Paradise Canyon, Paradise Canyon from Country Club to Phillips Circle, and Gavilan Canyon Bridge from Sutton to Meander. To stay up-to-date on road closures, click here.

Six New Mexico Army National Guard personnel rescued multiple elderly residents in Ruidoso, the military stated.

I’m proud of our Soldiers for acting so quickly to save lives in what was a dangerous situation. This is what we train for and have a lot of experience in. I’m just thankful we were there to help our fellow New Mexicans in their time of need.

Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, the NM National Guard’s Adjutant General

Officials are encouraging residents to purchase flood insurance. Flooding can be common after wildfires after the flames purge the soil and plants in the area. Click here to learn more.

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