A civil authority has issued A LOCAL AREA EMERGENCY for the following counties/areas: Lincoln, NM; at 6:47 PM on SEP 17, 2026 Effective until 10:47 PM. Message from IPAWSCAP. Lincoln County OES. Flash Flooding OBSERVED in Ruidoso Downs. MOVE to higher ground. Lincoln County Emergency Management: Flash Flood Alert for Ruidoso Downs along Rio Ruidoso. Rapidly rising floodwaters may impact roadways and low-lying areas. Avoid travel and move to higher ground if threatened. Do NOT drive through flooded roads. Personnel needing shelter can go to the Ruidoso Downs Senior Center.