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UPDATE: Storm recovery keeps tree removal companies busy

Posted at 1:40 PM, Mar 30, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-01 02:44:07-04

UPDATE 11:43 PM MARCH 31: NV Energy reports 1,198 people are without power in Clark County.

The storm kept tree removal companies busy.

Mikhail Emelyanov of Vegas Best Tree Removal said in less than two hours, they got more than 50 phone calls.

UPDATE AT 6:30 PM MARCH 31: NV Energy reports that 2,825 customers remain without power.

People living in McNeil Estates near Charleston Boulevard and Rancho Drive have been without power for well over 24 hours. 

"We'll have a big buffet tomorrow of all the frozen food that thawed out that we're going to have to cook tomorrow," said Donna De Luca who lives in the neighborhood. 

Others relied on generators to keep their refrigerators working. 

While power was restored to two of the Clark County schools as the day continued, parents wanted why school wasn't canceled in the first place.

A spokesperson for the district said it followed protocol by only allowing students to leave if a parent or guardian came to the school to sign them out.

The spokeperson also said school wasn't canceled because buildings were still functional and the weather outside wasn't too extreme.

UPDATE AT 2:25 PM MARCH 31: Power has been restored to Cannon Junior High School and 3,426 customers are still without power.

UPDATE AT 11:30 AM MARCH 31: Power has been restored at Cambeiro Elementary.

UPDATE AT 9:30 AM MARCH 31: There are approximately 5,900 customers still without power. That includes several schools: Cambeiro Elementary, Cannon Junior High, Chaparral High School and Sewell Elementary.

The school district says that they sent a message to parents letting them know that the schools are without power but the school is still in session. Each of the schools have contacted food service and made arrangements for box lunches should the power not be restored by lunch time.

UPDATE AT 7 AM MARCH 31: More than 5,400 NV Energy customers are still without power and many residents are dealing with fallen trees and other damage from the storm.

 

UPDATE AT 5:25 AM MARCH 31: There were still more than 4,700 NV Energy customers without power early Friday morning. Hardest hit areas include zip codes 89030, 89102, 89104, and 89130.

ORIGINAL STORY

A dust and wind storm caused plenty of damage around the Las Vegas valley Thursday.

A dust storm warning was issued Thursday afternoon for the Las Vegas valley. The warning was in effect through 11 p.m. and also includes Death Valley National Park and the Pahrump valley. It was originally set to go through 7 p.m. before it was extended.

PHOTOS: Dust and wind cause problems in Las Vegas

Northbound Interstate 15 at St. Rose Parkway was closed for about two hours Thursday afternoon. Other roads around the valley were closed after downed power lines and trees.

Flights in and out of McCarran International Airport are being affected by the windy conditions.

CLICK HERE FOR MOST RECENT WEATHER FORECAST

Meanwhile at Monte Carlo hotel-casino, a small, outside construction wall got blown into the Monte Carlo after being knocked loose because of the wind. The food court was closed while they cleaned up. There was a minor injury to a guest who was being treated on scene.

Windows were broken at Palms hotel-casino as a result of the winds.

There are also reports of extensive damage around the valley, including downed trees and power lines.

PHOTOS: Dust and wind cause problems in Las Vegas

At one point, more than 44,000 customers were without power in Clark County, according to NV Energy. As midnight, about 12,000 remain without power.

RELATED: Dust advisory for Las Vegas valley

The dust also caused a number of respiratory issues around the valley and kicked up allergies. People were advised to stay inside to avoid the dust and wind.