Strong winds whipping valley; some flights canceled

By Las Vegas Sun Staff (contact)

Published Friday, Dec. 16, 2016 | 10:58 a.m.

Updated Friday, Dec. 16, 2016 | 2:18 p.m.

Powerful winds whipped the Las Vegas Valley today, closing part of the 215 Beltway with blowing construction debris and interfering with flights at McCarran International Airport, where planes were temporarily grounded.

A high-wind warning was in effect until midnight, with forecasts for sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts from 45 to 60 mph, National Weather Service meteorologist Jim Harrison said.

McCarran International Airport advised travelers to check their flight statuses because the wind could lead to delays. Five departing flights were canceled this afternoon, according to the airport's website.

"It's anything but business as usual today," airport spokesman Chris Jones said. Some flights have been diverted and landed in other cities, while airport officials earlier issued a ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. It has since been lifted, Jones said about 2 p.m.

Blowing construction debris on the 215 Beltway, meanwhile, forced officials to close the freeway in both directions from the airport to Las Vegas Boulevard exits.

Rain started falling in the area Thursday night and peppered the valley this morning, resulting in a stunning double rainbow that had people sharing pictures across social media.

Rainfall ranged from trace amounts to as much as a quarter inch on the far west side, near Red Rock Canyon, Harrison said. Scattered showers were still possible later today, tapering off by late afternoon, he said.

Temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid-60s throughout the day, with a high of 66 degrees.

A low pressure system moving in from the northwest is expected to usher in colder weather for Saturday, with a high of 48 and an overnight low of 38.

Overnight lows Saturday moving into Sunday are forecast for 24 to 29 degrees, with the coldest weather on the west side. Sunday’s high is expected to be 49 degrees.