Latest news with #MikeHardiman
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Monsoon storms brewing over burn scars may create daily flooding threat in Ruidoso
As monsoon rain heads into the Ruidoso area, burn scars left behind from last year's South Fork and Salt Fire have the potential to turn even the smallest amount of rain into dangerous runoff, especially in flood-prone areas. Thunderstorms are expected to continue over the Sacramento Mountains on Friday, June 20, with more moisture moving into the region over the weekend and into next week, according to Mike Hardiman, forecaster with the National Weather Service. "We have a nice plume of moisture coming up from Mexico that really establishes itself on Sunday," Hardiman said. "It doesn't look like it's going to go anywhere for a while. Once we get into Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, we have the most moisture over the area, and every day you're going to get thunderstorms." While the monsoon officially began a few days ago, Ruidoso had already experienced heavy flooding during a storm on June 19, when roads were once again transformed into rivers and drainage areas were filled with moving water. A viral video captured people racing up stairs as flooding moved through Brady Canyon. The images are similar to what Ruidoso experienced in 2024, after the South Fork and Salt Fire ravaged the terrain. The burn scars left behind from the wildfires continue to impact flooding and may persist for years to come, Hardiman said. "It's just going to be a case of dumb luck whether you get a storm to form over the wrong place at the wrong time — the wrong place in this case being the burn scars," Hardiman said. "That's what happened yesterday (June 19), there wasn't a lot of thunderstorms across the Sacramento Mountains, it just happened to form in the worst spot." While thunderstorms brewing over burn scars are a continuous threat, there is a higher probability that rain will hit the areas impacted by last year's wildfires on Monday and Tuesday, June 23-24, according to the National Weather Service. With a daily threat of flooding during the monsoon, Hardiman said to always heed warnings from local emergency management and understand where the flood-prone areas are located. The areas around drainage are where water accumulates the most, but debris under bridges can also disperse water in places that don't normally get flooding, Hardiman explained. "I wouldn't let it (the rain) ruin my plans, but I would adjust my plans," he said. "It's not the best time to be planning a picnic on the Rio Ruidoso. Just keep yourself as informed as possible." If you are a Ruidoso resident or planning a visit, the village has released a real-time road conditions map. The RAIN (Ruidoso Alert Information Network) map is provided to inform the public about flooded roads and is continuously updated, according to the Village of Ruidoso. The map also displays any active wildfires in the area. Sometimes floods develop slowly, and forecasters can anticipate where a flood will happen days or weeks before it occurs. Often, flash floods can occur within minutes, sometimes without any visible sign of rain. Being prepared can save your life and give you peace of mind. Create a Communications Plan Assemble an Emergency Kit Know Your Risk Sign Up for Notifications Prepare Your Home Prepare your Family/Pets Charge Your Essential Electronics Leave During a flood, water levels and the rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Stay informed and monitor local radio and television stations. Avoid flood waters at all costs and evacuate immediately when water starts to rise. Stay Informed: Listen to radio and television, including NOAA Weather Radio if possible, check the Internet and social media for information and updates. Get to Higher Ground: If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately. Obey Evacuation Orders: If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances. Practice Electrical Safety: Don't go into a basement or any room if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises--get out! Stay out of water that may have electricity. Avoid Flood Waters: Don't walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible. Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@ @NatassiaPaloma on X; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook. More: Nuclear waste in Texas? What to know about latest Supreme Court ruling that allows it This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Ruidoso weather: Storms over burn scars may create daily flooding
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
El Paso, Southern New Mexico at risk of flash flooding during upcoming Monsoon storms
The monsoon season is off to an active start in El Paso and the surrounding region, as rainstorms are expected to hit the Borderland. El Paso has a 30% chance of precipitation on Saturday, June 21, with chances increasing through Monday and Tuesday, June 23-24, according to the National Weather Service. El Paso, along with parts of southern New Mexico, has a slight risk for flash flooding on both Monday and Tuesday. "We could be getting some decent rain here in El Paso," said Mike Hardiman, forecaster with the National Weather Service. "It's a good start (to the monsoon), since we need the rain and we need the cooler weather." As moisture moves in from Northern Mexico, temperatures are expected to drop from triple-digit heat to the upper 80s by next week — that's 10 to 12 degrees below normal. While the rain offers a break from the scorching heat, there is always a chance that a monsoonal storm can cause water to pool in certain areas. Thunderstorms may linger in one area for a period of time, dropping heavy rain and causing localized flooding, Hardiman said. "This is a daily thing that happens in the summer," Hardiman said. "You get a heavy enough rainstorm over the right spot, flooding can occur. We're expecting that we could run into some issues here." The monsoon season typically brings the most rainfall to the region, from June 15 to Sept. 30. This year, West Texas and most of New Mexico have equal chances for above-normal, near-normal, or below-normal precipitation. While the first days of monsoon are expected to be active, it doesn't mean it will stay that way. "The thing is that monsoon tends to come in these bursts," Hardiman said. "Sometimes they can last a week or two and we get a little break. So I wouldn't be surprised if we get to taper down a little bit, but hopefully we'll keep this pattern going where it stays relatively active without too many problems." More: 'We have a lot to be thankful for': Ruidoso rebuilds after fire and flood devastation During a flood, water levels and the rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Stay informed and monitor local radio and television stations. Avoid flood waters at all costs and evacuate immediately when water starts to rise. Stay Informed: Listen to radio and television, including NOAA Weather Radio if possible, check the Internet and social media for information and updates. Get to Higher Ground: If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately. Obey Evacuation Orders: If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances. Practice Electrical Safety: Don't go into a basement or any room if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises--get out! Stay out of water that may have electricity. Avoid Flood Waters: Don't walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible. Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@ @NatassiaPaloma on X; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook. More: What is Launch Site One? What to know about Texas site of Blue Origin spaceflights This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso, New Mexico at risk of flash flooding during upcoming storms
