
The National Weather service has extended the Hard Freezing warning for Las Vegas through Tuesday.
A Hard Freeze warning is issued when temperatures are at or below 28 °F and may occur with or without frost.
The Hard Freeze warning has been in effect since Friday evening and was extended on Sunday afternoon.
Las Vegas is suffering through bitter cold temperatures with below freezing temperatures, into the 20’s, and the severe weather conditions are expected to continue through early Tuesday morning.
For the city that has abundant sunshine, it is an unusual sight to see residents bundled up head to toe wearing scarves and gloves.
It is apparent that some visitors to Las Vegas did not get the message that Las Vegas would be so cold and could be seen walking on the Las Vegas Strip shivering while wearing lightweight clothes.
The below freezing temperatures are a concern for the many homeless in Las Vegas with agencies ramping up and extending hours for the expected influx of people who normally would not go to a shelter.
In just about every part of town, there is a growing homeless population which has been likely fueled by the state of the economy.
Homeless people can be seen in front of convenience stores, gas stations, residential streets and even on main thoroughfares.
It is cold enough outdoors that people can actually die from exposure, especially small children and the elderly who are most susceptible. As the night wears on, the temperatures drop even further.
Las Vegas Metro Police have a non-emergency number, 311, that can provide referral assistance to those needing to be referred to a shelter.
A Las Vegas Metro dispatcher did say that the shelters can fill up very quickly and that sometimes it can be difficult to get through to the shelters after hours so it is recommended that those needing shelter call as early as possible for referrals.
As concerned citizens, it may be a good idea to plug the 311 phone number into your cell phone so that you give it out as needed or even call yourself if someone does need assistance.
The local Goodwill trucks are available in many parts of town and are always in need of donations of clean warn clothing and blankets especially during the Hard Freeze warning for Las Vegas.
Stay warm, stay indoors if possible and be safe.