Monsoon Season Awareness

Stay Safe This Monsoon Season

From June through September, Ruidoso experiences intense summer storms that can cause flash flooding and road hazards. Use this page to check real-time conditions, find safety tips, and stay informed throughout the season.

What to Expect | Real-time Road Conditions | Safety Tips | Watch, Warning, Emergency | Community Resources

What to Expect

Daily Weather Patterns

  • Afternoon and evening thunderstorms are most common. Temperatures often rise into the 80s–90s °F before storms roll in, bringing torrential rain and lightning.

Flash Flooding & Low-Water Crossings

  • Roads across creeks, arroyos (“rips”), and canyon bottoms can flood suddenly—even when it’s dry overhead. These water crossings often have no warning signs and can be deceptively deep and swift.

Real-Time Road and Water-Crossing Conditions

We maintain a live, interactive map tracking current low-water crossing statuses, road closures, and flood zones.

Bookmark this map and consult it before driving, especially after heavy rainfall.

Map Web Link: https://ruidoso.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/076bdc31ba914fa8a729466a1b62115c

Traveler and Resident Safety Tips

Before You Head Out:

  • Check the interactive map for crossings and closures.

  • Monitor local weather—thunderstorms can form rapidly.

  • Share your travel plan with someone, including estimated return time.

During Your Trip:

  • Never drive through flooded roads — just 6 inches of fast-moving water can sweep a vehicle away.

  • Avoid low-water crossings and canyon routes shortly after rain.

If Flooding Occurs:

  • Seek high ground immediately—water levels can rise fast.

  • Dial 911 for emergencies.

  • Listen for emergency alerts via local media or NOAA Radio.

What’s the Difference Between a Watch, Warning, and Emergency?

Understanding alert levels helps you respond correctly:

WARNING – “Take Action”

Flash flooding is occurring or is imminent. Move to higher ground and follow local emergency guidance.

WATCH – “Be Ready”

Conditions are favorable for flash flooding. Stay alert, monitor the forecast, and prepare to act if necessary.

EMERGENCY – “Act Now”

Severe, life-threatening flash flooding is happening. This is rare and extremely dangerous. Take immediate action to protect your life—evacuate or shelter in place as directed.

Community Preparedness and Resources

  • Sign Up for Call Me Ruidoso – Emergency Alerts via Alert Sense. When minutes matter, you’ll get real-time emergency notifications by text, email, or phone.

    • Flash Flood Warnings

    • Evacuation Notices

    • Shelter Info

    Sign up here: www.CallMeRuidoso.com 

    RAIN – Ruidoso Alerts Information Network – Our official all-hazards website gives you the full picture. 

    • Flood-prone areas. 

    • Road closures.

    • NWS Flood Watches, Warnings, and Emergencies.

    • Shelters, Points of Distribution, and other Emergency Info and Updates. 

    Visit: www.ruidoso-nm.gov/emergency-information 

  • Flash flooding can occur anywhere, but certain areas in Ruidoso are at greater risk—particularly near canyons, arroyos, low-water crossings, or burn scars from the South Fork and Salt Fires. These locations can flood within minutes, often with little warning. The time to prepare is before it starts to rain.

    Here’s how to create your Monsoon Safety Plan: 

    • Check whether your home, business, or travel route is located in a flood-prone area by viewing the updated floodplain map here: https://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/news-info/ha43rmm8t234che5sgxzlb4rfk763c 

    • Prepare a Go-Kit: When flash flooding strikes, you may need to leave quickly or shelter in place without power. A well-stocked Go-Kit ensures that you have what you need to stay safe, informed, and comfortable during an emergency. To learn how to build a Go-Kit, visit: www.ready.gov/kit 

    • Create a Communication Plan: During emergencies, cell networks can become overloaded or fail. Having a plan helps you stay connected with loved ones when it matters most. To learn how to build a Communication Plan, visit

    • Learn where to pick up sandbags and how to assist your neighbors during storm events.

    • Clear Gutters and drains to keep water flowing away from your foundation. 

    • Take photos of your property for insurance documentation before the rain starts. 

    • Make sure to review your flood insurance policy. Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage. 

    Even if your home has never flooded, the conditions have changed. Burn scars significantly increase runoff and the potential for flooding—especially downstream.

  • Follow our Facebook, X and YouTube channels for real-time weather updates and safety advisories from our Village of Ruidoso Office of Emergency Management.