Flash floods tore through parts of New Mexico on Tuesday, sweeping away homes and reportedly trapping residents in areas such as Lincoln County, Ruidoso, and Hollywood. The flash flood emergency remains active, as heavy rainfall overwhelmed rivers and infrastructure.
The floods hit just days after catastrophic flooding in Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, which claimed more than 100 lives. Then, on Monday, flash floods inundated parts of North Carolina, marking the third major flooding event in less than a week.
River Rose 20 Feet in 30 Minutes
One of the most alarming developments came from the Rio Ruidoso River, which rose 20 feet in just 30 minutes around 4 p.m. Tuesday, according to NOAA data. Videos circulating online show fast-moving water consuming structures and landscapes in its path.
“Homes starting to be moved by water,” the National Weather Service (NWS) warned in an alert.
Online Speculation Swirls Around Cloud Seeding
With several regions hit by devastating floods in rapid succession, social media users are reviving theories about cloud seeding—a controversial weather modification technique.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
“Domestic terrorism with cloud seeding? Just an idea. Texas. North Carolina. New Mexico… all within a week.”
Another claimed:
“New Mexico is one of the states doing cloud seeding. This isn’t a coincidence. It’s all being done on purpose.”
The theory, though unproven and widely dismissed by scientists, has gained traction online amid the sudden and widespread weather disasters.
New Mexico’s Cloud Seeding Program
Adding fuel to the speculation is the fact that New Mexico launched a pilot cloud seeding program earlier this year. In February 2024, the state’s House of Representatives approved a bill to fund cloud seeding in southeast New Mexico, aiming to increase rainfall using substances like silver iodide.
However, there is no scientific evidence connecting the ongoing pilot project to Tuesday’s flash floods. The program is targeted, small in scale, and typically requires very specific conditions to even modestly influence precipitation.
Officials Focus on Emergency Response
As of now, emergency services remain focused on rescue and recovery efforts in affected areas. The National Weather Service has continued to urge residents to evacuate immediately if in low-lying or flood-prone regions.
“Do NOT attempt to drive through floodwaters. Turn around, don’t drown,” NWS warned.
