Local News

Actions

Severe thunderstorms hit Las Vegas valley on Thursday

Storms impact power, roads
Untitled design (58).png
Untitled design (58).png
Posted at 9:48 PM, Jul 28, 2022
and last updated 2022-07-29 23:47:45-04

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the Las Vegas valley on Thursday.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service warned of winds over 70 mph and the possibility of flash flooding in parts of the valley.

Similar warnings were issued for Lake Mead and Boulder City.

Untitled design (58).png

As storms hit the Las Vegas valley, roadways were flooded with water and an estimated 5,000 people were without power as of 10:03 p.m.

Flooding was so significant in some areas that roads had to be shut down. 13th Street was closed north of Stewart Avenue after the storm knocked a tree into the roadway, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said.

The storm's impact on traffic continued Friday morning on Interstate 15 at Washington Avenue. All westbound lanes of the interstate were flooded, a traffic camera in the area showed. Drivers were advised to use extreme caution.

Damage from the storm also impacted the Department of Motor Vehicles' North Las Vegas branch. Officials advised the opening of the office on North Decatur Boulevard and Elkhorn Road would be delayed "due to water damage from last night's storm."

An official at the DMV explained that the roof leaked into 2 supervisor offices and onto their computers.

Updates would be posted on the DMV's website, they said.

The streets of the downtown Las Vegas Arts District were flooded, and the damage didn't stop there. Video shared on social media showed water pouring into Circa's sports book from behind a wall-mounted TV. CEO Derek Stevens called it "a night we'll never forget," but said the damage wouldn't stop operations.

Stevens issued the following statement through a Circa spokesperson:

“Last night’s weather took Vegas by storm and we were no exception. But, the show must go on and I’m happy to share that repairs are underway and we’re open for business. Games are playing all day at Circa Sports and we’re accepting sports bets on the second level. Lower-level sportsbook seating is temporarily closed but we expect it to be fully open this weekend.”