Flash Flood in Lincoln County, New Mexico

Heavy rainfall in the Hondo area caused widespread flooding of roads and low water crossings. The Lincoln County emergency manager estimated that the Rio Ruidoso rose 4 to 6 feet quickly while Alamo Canyon Road south of U.S. Highway 70 was completely inundated. One individual was in their truck at Alamo Canyon Road and became stuck in the low water crossing when the flood waters inundated it. The individual then either tried to escape or the flood waters pulled them out of their truck. Tragically, they drowned, and their body was found the next day. Damages are estimated for the loss of the truck.

With a low pressure system centered to the southwest of New Mexico and an anomalously moist air mass being transported into the state, the stage was set for another round of showers and thunderstorms across the area on May 30, 2021. Thunderstorm activity formed by the late morning hours and intensified as the day progressed. Several reports of large hail was received across central and eastern New Mexico, and a few tornadoes and landspouts were observed across the plains. The anomalously moist air mass allowed for heavy rain to fall as well, especially across south central and southeast New Mexico which received rainfall totals of three to five inches in a very short period of time. This led to flash flooding in Lincoln and Chaves counties in which several water rescues had to be performed. Widespread damage was reported as well with multiple businesses, homes, and vehicles being inundated with flood waters. Tragically, one individual in southern Lincoln County drowned while trying to cross a flooded roadway in their vehicle.