Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Strong winds today as freezing weather approaches

Wind

Sam Morris

In this view looking west down Desert Inn Road, the Encore is obscured by wind-driven dust Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013.

Updated Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013 | 3:52 p.m.

Wind gusts up to 55 mph are expected to blow through the Las Vegas Valley today before temperatures dip below freezing.

The National Weather Service has issue a wind advisory until midnight tonight for the valley.

Following the blustery weather, temperatures are expected to drop from a high of 65 degrees today to a high of 47 degrees on Wednesday, NWS meteorologist Chris Stachelski said.

As the cold front settles into the valley, a freeze watch was also issued, effective from Wednesday night to Saturday morning. Temperatures are expected to reach below freezing as early as Thursday, with a projected low of 29 degrees and a high of 41 degrees at McCarran International Airport, Stachelski said.

Temperatures will remain chilly throughout the rest of the week. The Friday forecast predicts a low of 28 degrees and a high of 43 degrees at McCarran, and Saturday is expected to see a low of 31 degrees and a high of 45 degrees.

Stachelski said temperatures could drop lower in outlying areas of the valley.

In Reno, a winter storm warning was in effect until 4 p.m. today. Some areas reported a foot of snow, and Gov. Brian Sandoval declared a "snow day," sending non-essential state personnel home at about 2:30 p.m. The National Weather Service forecast called for continued snow showers tonight. Wednesday and Thursday were expected to be mostly sunny with a high of 27, and the possibility of snow would return Friday.

Scott McGrude, spokesman for the Nevada Department of Transportation, said snow plows in Reno will be working through the night spreading sand and salt on roads. The real concern, he said, is that freezing overnight temperatures will cause icy and slippery conditions. He said all roads in western Nevada are currently open and there has not been any reports of major accidents.

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