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.

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

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.

RUIDOSO, N.M. (AP) — The mountain village of Ruidoso returned to the grim rituals of rebuilding after flash flooding and a deadly natural disaster, just one year after wildfire and intense flooding reshaped the popular vacation getaway and its surroundings.

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.

Just days after southern Texas was devastated by historic floods, southern New Mexico was hit with torrential flash floods that killed at least three people.

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.

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.

Broken tree limbs, twisted metal, crumpled cars and muddy debris remained Wednesday as crews worked to clear roads and culverts in the wake of a flash flood that descended upon the New Mexico mountain community of Ruidoso,

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.