Catastrophic flash flooding struck the Ruidoso, New Mexico area Tuesday night, washing away homes and businesses and causing significant damage to Ruidoso Downs. Several feet of water submerged the track and backside area with social media videos showing people and horses alike trying to escape through the torrent.

Atmospheric conditions in place over the Southern Plains at the time favored slow-moving thunderstorms, which increased the odds of heavy rain and flash flooding due to their ability to sit over the same area for hours.

Devastating flash floods in Central Texas on Friday have killed more than 100 people, including over two dozen at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls along the Guadalupe River.  More than 160 people remain unaccounted for,