Event narrative (NOAA)
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.
Other notable flash flood events in New Mexico
Source: NOAA/NCEI Storm Events Database. Deaths and injuries are those NOAA classifies as direct. Damage is the reporting office's estimate at the time and is not inflation-adjusted. This is a catalogue record, not a forecast.