Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

High winds delay airport flights, prompt dust advisory

Updated Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 | 6 p.m.

Gusty dry winds delayed flights at McCarran International Airport and prompted wildfire warnings and air quality dust advisories in Southern Nevada.

The National Weather Service clocked gusts Thursday at more than 40 mph at the airport, where some arrivals were delayed more than 90 minutes and some departures were an hour or more late. Officials said some flights were held on the ground in other cities due to the weather.

The gusty winds prompted Clark County officials to issue a dust advisory for the rest of the day.

The wind kicked up unhealthy levels of dust for sensitive groups, officials said.

Airborne dust aggravates respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma. It may be best for children, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases to stay indoors, officials said.

The dust also impacted visibility for motorists, officials said.

The weather service earlier issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Clark County until about 5 p.m.

The Clark County Department of Air Quality will continue to monitor conditions and post updates on its website if necessary.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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