Crews are working to clear twisted metal, broken trees and muddy debris from streets and homes a day after monsoon rains triggered a deadly flash flood in southern New Mexico.

The slow-moving system could stall in areas and drop up to 3 inches of rain an hour, which could overwhelm pumps in some neighborhoods.

At least three people, including two children, were killed and one person is missing after torrential rain triggered raging flash flooding Tuesday in a wildfire-scarred village in southern New Mexico,

The resort village of Ruidoso was under a flash flood emergency as slow-moving storms left people trapped in homes and prompted water rescues.

The tropical development in the northern Gulf of Mexico this week is expected to be limited due to its close proximity to land, but it will still pose a danger for the millions who reside across the region.

At least three people were killed by historic flash floods in a New Mexico mountain community that suffered devastating wildfires last year, officials said late Tuesday.

Ruidoso's surge follows deadly flooding in Texas, where authorities reported more than 160 people missing in the aftermath of catastrophic storms.

Emergency crews carried out at least 85 swift water rescues in the Ruidoso area, including of people who were trapped in their homes and cars. No deaths were immediately reported.

Last year, this same area was devastated by two wildfires. The three people killed were reportedly a man, a 4-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy. The three victims were swept away downstream and later found dead,

At least three people are dead in the village of Ruidoso, New Mexico after heavy rain caused flash flooding. Up to 8.8cm (3.5in) of rain fell, causing the Ruidoso river to rise to an historic level. The floodwaters have now receded.

New Mexicans will experience continued storm activity and a high risk of burn scar flash flooding Saturday. The chance of rain is 48% in Santa Fe and 67% in Ruidoso. Storm coverage will decrease some Sunday, becoming scattered. The burn scar flash flooding risk will drop to moderate to high.