Strong winds, isolated showers hitting Las Vegas

By Dave Toplikar

Published Friday, April 3, 2009 | 10:50 a.m.

Updated Friday, April 3, 2009 | 12:36 p.m.

Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph were blowing through Las Vegas today, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a wind advisory for the Las Vegas Valley.

The wind advisory, which runs through 8 tonight, is for Clark, Lincoln and Mohave counties, the Colorado River Valley and Death Valley National Park.

Areas of blowing sand and dust are likely with the strong winds, the weather service said.

At 11:56 p.m., the weather service reported winds of 32 mph, gusting to 47 mph, at McCarran International Airport. McCarran also received a trace of race since 11 a.m., when the cold front began pushing south through the Las Vegas Valley.

Isolated showers have been falling through the city since the cold front moved in. The chance of precipitation for the city is 20 percent today. The cold front will continue to push south through the remainder of Clark and Mohave counties through the afternoon hours, the weather service said.

As part of the wind advisory, the weather service said strong winds in excess of 30 mph will "create dangerous boating conditions on area lakes during the advisory period."

The high winds will create very choppy water and generate large waves, which could capsize or swamp small craft, the weather service said. Operators of small craft are urged to postpone their outings until the winds subside, the weather service said.

"If you do venture out onto the lakes ... Avoid the open water and stay close to shore or in protected coves and inlets," the advisory said.