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Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Monsoon season expected to be 'normal,' but burn scars could trigger flooding in Ruidoso
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 rain is often welcomed in the Desert Southwest, precipitation in forested areas, particularly in Ruidoso, can lead to dangerous flooding. Burn scars left behind from last year's South Fork and Salt Fires can make matters worse — even a quick-moving storm can dump a large amount of water, creating serious runoff, said Zachary Aronson, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. "Any heavy rain that falls on the burn scars will run across the ground to drainages and streams," Aronson said. "Those eventually will go into town, where the buildings and homes are. So that's what we are worried about." Ruidoso typically experiences monsoon a bit earlier in the season, Aronson said. Heavy storms hit the area on June 10, days before the start of the monsoon. One resident captured video of a heavy flow of water shortly after rain began to fall in Ruidoso's upper canyon, a stark reminder of flooding that happened last year as a result of burn scars left behind from wildfires. In July 2024, rainfall transformed roads into rushing rivers, leaving people trapped in homes and vehicles submerged. The heavy rain also caused damage to the Ruidoso Downs Track, impacting races, which had to be moved to Albuquerque. "Things are a little bit better up there compared to last year in terms of susceptibility to debris flow and runoffs, but still pretty susceptible area," Aronson said. "We definitely keep a close eye with those burn scars." As of June, the National Weather Service is forecasting wetter conditions from July to early August, followed by a break in mid-to-late August, and then a return to wetter conditions in September. Ruidoso will experience daily rain chances in the summer, with thunderstorms brewing in the mornings and early afternoons, Aronson said. "We are expecting a more active monsoon season and not as dry as what we've seen in the past couple years," he said. "We're expected to be about normal." When it comes to temperatures, there is a 50-70% chance that temperatures will lean toward above-normal for the entire state of New Mexico, as well as parts of West Texas. 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. Self-fill sandbags are now available to residents through the end of summer. There is a 30-bag limit per household. In the 2024 monsoon season, more than 440 tons of sand and approximately 50,000 sandbags were distributed for residents and businesses, according to the Village of Ruidoso. Sandbags are available at the following locations: Ruidoso Convention Center, 111 Sierra Blanca Drive Wingfield Park, 311 Center St. 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 Twitter; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook. More: How hot will it get in Texas this summer? Here's what Farmer's Almanac predicts for 2025 This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Monsoon season begins June 15; burn scars raise flood risk in Ruidoso
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Santa Fe County to hold wildfire mitigation and preparedness event
SANTA FE COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – After having a dry winter, Santa Fe County said it's preparing for another high-risk fire season. While the government gets ready, they're encouraging the public to take their own steps to protect their homes. Story continues below Weather: Hazardous winds leave a trail of destruction in New Mexico Crime: ABQ police take 11-year-old into custody in connection to fatal hit and run Entertainment: These movies were filmed in Santa Fe. Have you seen them? 'Ultimately, they're the first line. They're going to be the ones where that fire first breaks out. We want to make sure that they're safe,' said Administrative Services Manager for the Santa Fe County Fire Dept. Ignacio Dominguez. Santa Fe County wants to get the community prepared in the event of a wildfire. The county said, compared to years past, it got little snow this winter making this a high-risk fire season. 'The increased fuel loads that we've been compiling since years past with the wetter summers we've had, we've got a lot of dry vegetation,' said Battalion Chief of Special Operations with the Santa Fe County Fire Dept. Salvatore Caputo. With recent summers having devastating fires like the South Fork and Salt Fires in Ruidoso last year, Santa Fe County wants to push community members to get involved. On March 29, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, the county will host its inaugural Wildfire Mitigation and Preparedness Community Education Day at the Santa Fe County Fair Grounds. 'We want to make sure that individuals have all the information they need to help protect them,' said Dominquez. Their goal with the event: educate homeowners so they have the best chance at saving their property and belongings that matter to them the most. 'This is your one-stop shop event. We are encouraging families and residents to come together and visit with staff and experts,' said Public Information Officer for Santa Fe County Olivia Romo. At the event, the county said attendees will learn about firescaping and added that they can schedule an assessment of their home with the Wildland Division. 'Our wildland team does accept appointments to come out and talk to individual property owners and they provide what they call a prescription of, 'Hey these are things you can do in order to meet these requirements to set up your home for success,'' said Caputo. Community members will be able to make sure they are signed up for emergency alert notifications through the county while also learning more about creating a plan in the event of an evacuation. The county hopes to make it a yearly event. 'We want people to understand we are part of this community and we're here to help, but we also want to empower people to take care of themselves,' said Dominguez. The county said the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance will also be at the event so the community can ask about homeowners insurance for fire damage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Mexico lawmakers tackle insurance issues following severe wildfires and floods
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – It's another blow for New Mexico communities. After fire and floods, companies no longer want to provide insurance for homes and businesses. That has Republicans and Democrats working together for a solution. 'The problem just keeps getting worse and worse and worse,' said Rep. Harlan Vincent, (R-Ruidoso Downs). Story continues below Weather: Widespread snow & rain in northern New Mexico Crime: Video shows moments officers save baby in stolen truck in Rio Rancho National: Pause on federal grants sparks concern in NM Don't Miss: Santa Fe police, animal services rescue injured pelican Rep. Vincent represents Lincoln and Otero counties where the South Fork and Salt Fires destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses last summer. Vincent said its effects are still impacting residents even today. 'It was just a double whammy as far as getting hit by fires then floods and then they get hit again because they can't seem to get insurance because the insurance companies are not writing policy,' said Vincent. Story continues below Weather: Widespread snow & rain in northern New Mexico Crime: Video shows moments officers save baby in stolen truck in Rio Rancho National: Pause on federal grants sparks concern in NM Don't Miss: Santa Fe police, animal services rescue injured pelican He said without insurance, residents can't get loans. And without policies, realtors can't sell anything, negatively impacting the local economy. Vincent, along with Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, is carrying a bipartisan bill to increase the limits listed in the 'Fair Access to Insurance Requirements', or Fair Plan Act, established in 1969. 'When you're in a situation where you simply can't get insurance due to risk and folks and companies pulling out, this is a state plan that provides a base-level coverage,' said Wirth. The limit under the law is $350,000 for a private residence and a $1 million for commercial. The new bill would increase the limit to a $1 million for private residences and $5 million for commercial. 'So, the good news is this plan basically pays for itself through premiums,' said Wirth. They are requesting $50 million from the general fund for the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance. The pair said there are more bills to come designed to address the root problem which they said can be solved through preventative efforts. 'I'm also really interested in getting dollars to thin our forests. I mean, that's the other issue. We've got forests that go right up to urban areas. Those need to be thinned and taken care of,' said Wirth. During the Governor's State of the State address, she mentioned a proposal for a state-run insurance program. Her offices said the legislation is still in the drafting stage and would operate independently from the existing F.A.I.R. Act plan. The governor believes 'without accessible fire insurance, entire communities could be wiped out without recourse.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
