Rain pours down, wetting the streets around Palms Casino Resort on Friday, Aug. 18. Historic rain has been predicted for this weekend.
Published Friday, Aug. 18, 2023 | 10:18 a.m.
Updated Friday, Aug. 18, 2023 | 2:13 p.m.
Trevor Boucher, lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Nevada, pointed to a digital map showing purple over northwest Arizona and southeastern Nevada.
Historic flooding predicted in Southern Nevada
It’s the first time the service has used purple — its most significant storm color indicator, he said. Then, he issued a warning to residents and first responders.
“Bottom line, our confidence is high in not just flash flooding but major to historic flash flooding,” he said. “All partners should prepare for significant flash flooding. ...All the ingredients for a high-impact monsoon seem in place.”
Death Valley usually sees 2 inches of annual rainfall, Boucher said. The storm system headed toward the region, powered by Hurricane Hilary, will bring more than 2 inches in one day there, Boucher said.
San Bernardino County in California, which spans to the Nevada border near the Colorado River, is most at risk, he said.
The storm is on a path to enter Nevada over the Mojave Desert, putting communities like Pahrump and Las Vegas at risk of “significant flash flooding” over the next three days, Boucher said.
He said places like the Linq parking garage on the Strip and intersections on Las Vegas roadways could flood. Las Vegas is under a flood watch until 9 p.m. today, the weather service said.
The Clark County Regional Flood Control District, in a social media post, reminded motorists who encounter flooded roadways to “turn around, don’t drown.”
“Many people underestimate the force and power of water,” the post says. “According to the National Weather Service, more than half of flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters.”
NV Energy said it was monitoring the storm and has taken precautions to ensure the safety and security of communities and its infrastructure. Crews were on standby to respond quickly to any power outages caused by extreme weather, officials said.
The company encouraged customers to be vigilant, sign up for outage alerts and learn more about how to prepare for potential outages.
Nye County officials said they also were monitoring the situation and were preparing for likely flooding. The Pahrump Community Pool will be closed this weekend in anticipation of storms and lightning.
Hurricane Hilary grew rapidly to Category 4 strength off Mexico’s Pacific coast today and could reach Southern California as the first tropical storm there in 84 years, causing “significant and rare impacts,” including extensive flooding.
The National Hurricane Center said a first-ever tropical storm watch has been issued for Southern California.
Heavy rainfall associated with Hilary is expected to impact the Southwest United States through Wednesday, peaking Sunday and Monday,” the Hurricane Center said. It said there was a substantial danger of flash flooding in an area stretching from San Diego to Las Vegas.
“Rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches, with isolated amounts of 10 inches, are expected across portions of southern California and southern Nevada, which would lead to significant and rare impacts,” the center said. “Elsewhere across portions of the Western United States, rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected.”
Dark skies have been prevalent this morning in Las Vegas, along with lighting and light rains. There is a 30% chance of rain in Las Vegas on Saturday, and 90% on Sunday, when the high temperature will only reach 78 degrees, according to the weather service.
The weather service, in a social media post, said high winds are expected today in Las Vegas and could reach 60 mph with stronger storms. It warned those with outdoor activities planned to beware of changing conditions.
“Major to historic,” Boucher again said of the potential storms. “Don’t take these storms lightly. Whatever preparation actions you can take now, take them.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
