The wind blows the hair of a woman taking photos at the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign” Monday, March 28, 2016. Strong winds in Las Vegas prompted an air quality advisory due to blowing dust.
Published Monday, March 28, 2016 | 8:58 a.m.
Updated Monday, March 28, 2016 | 10 p.m.
Strip casinos are obscured by blowing dust in this view from Henderson Monday, March 28, 2016.
Sun weather coverage
Powerful winds caused havoc across Southern Nevada on Monday, leveling trees and power lines and causing delays at McCarran International Airport.
Travelers flying out of McCarran were experiencing 15- to 30-minute delays, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Arriving flights were also delayed, but by no more than 15 minutes.
Close to 2,000 NV Energy customers were without power for several hours Monday evening.
The ZIP codes most affected were 89121, east of McCarran, and 89104, just east of the Arts District downtown.
The power outage had an estimated restore time between 7 and 8 p.m., according to the utility's website.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area felt gusts up to 78 mph Monday afternoon, weather service meteorologist Jim Harrison said. The west valley experienced gusts in the low 60s.
The rest of the valley confronted winds that averaged 45 to 55 mph, he said.
Most of the Las Vegas Valley experienced light showers, Harrison said.
Conditions returned to normal late Monday and winds weren't expected to be above 10 mph on Tuesday, Harrison said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Join the Discussion:
Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.
Full comments policy