LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Scattered storms are causing lots of damage and raising safety concerns on the roadways. The monsoon is also prompting road experts to alert drivers saying safety starts before you even turn on the engine.
“You want to make sure that you’re not breaking hard, turning sharply, and leave more room than you necessarily would between yourself and other vehicles,” said Aldo Vazquez, AAA Spokesperson.
Heavy rainfall pouring down on parts of Southern Nevada flooding busy intersections on Thursday afternoon. At Sunset Road and Stephanie, cars drove through several inches of rain water, while pedestrians crossed streets where crosswalks were underwater.
RELATED: Springs Preserves exhibit shows dangers of flash flooding
Throughout the valley, power lines and trees were snapped like twigs.
Over at the Arroyo Grande Sports Complex, debris was scattered on the baseball field. The fencing was torn down and the metal stadium seating was bent to the wind’s will.
“The damage that I’ve seen here today is unlike anything that I’ve seen at this facility,” said Julian Ramos, Park & Recreation Manager. “Trees that have been here for 30 years were uprooted.”
RELATED: Portion of Boulder Highway still closed because of downed poles
It’s been a while since the Las Vegas valley has experienced these kinds of storm systems. Scientists forecasting over the coming years we could see more showers like these across the region.
“As climate warms up due to CO2, it’s going to allow the air to hold more water vapor,” said Dr. Marty Ralph, Director of the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at UC San Diego. “And by common sense, if you have more water vapor in the air, there’s more chance to form heavier rain.”
