Severe weather hits Las Vegas; flash flood warning in effect

Severe weather pounds Las Vegas

(Photo: Fox 5 Vegas)

First Las Vegas endured a brutal triple degree heat wave that seemed never ending and now more severe weather hits Las Vegas.

The National Weather Service has been issuing continual warnings this weekend for flash flooding in Las Vegas and surrounding area.

Already, there have been a number of power outages and a flash flood watch is currently in effect through Monday evening.

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Thunderstorms are expected Sunday evening and Monday afternoon and evening. The thunderstorms will have the potential to produce very heavy rain and flash flooding.

Weather officials said that Monsoon moisture combined with high temperatures create thunderstorms, which dump enough rain to flood low-lying areas.

Falling trees and gas lines severed by heavy, gusty winds forced evacuation of 200 units at the Atrium Garden Condos on the city’s east side, near Washington Avenue and Pecos Road.  A number of units were damaged by falling trees.

Some of the evacuated residents took up shelter at nearby Desert Pines High School, with emergency services provided by the American Red Cross.

It is estimated that upt o 6,300 residents remain without power.

There were also intermittent power outages in the southwestern part of the valley near Valley View and Flamingo Road.  Other residents reported flickering lights in their homes.

Even the casinos were not spared with standing water reported on the casino floor at Caesars Palace.  Gamblers were forced to scatter to avoid getting wet.

As the severe weather hits Las Vegas, residents should be aware that flash floods can be very dangerous, even deadly.

Clark Country Nevada government officials recommend that you stay where you are.  They say that it is safer to wait for the storm to end, rather than attempting to drive anywhere.

Just a few inches of fast moving floodwater can sweep your car off the road. Larger vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, may be more likely to float because large air-filled tires increase the buoyancy of the vehicle.

Be sure to have a battery operated radio and make sure that your cell phone is charged.

You can also visit the Regional Flood Control District’s website for real time rainfall information of more than 100 locations around the valley.

The site also includes current weather information

You can also check out Las Vegas World News flood safety tips to help keep you and your family safe.

Related articles

• Las Vegas Lightning Strikes Hit The Strip
• Severe storm warning issued for northeast Las Vegas
• Flash flood warning issued for Southern Nevada
• Don’t Let a Flood Leave You Underwater

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