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Tracking the impact: Live updates on potentially dangerous winds as they hit the Las Vegas valley

Tracking the Impact: High Wind Warning
Posted at 5:41 PM, Feb 21, 2023
and last updated 2023-02-23 02:12:18-05

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Channel 13 is continuing to track dangerous wind conditions across the valley. We'll bring you live updates throughout the night so you and your family can stay safe.

UPDATE 11:05 p.m.:

The KTNV team reported around the valley tonight on the aftermath of Tuesday's windstorm.

KTNV's Joe Moeller spoke to drivers near Primm and the I-15 to talk about how the traffic closure impacted them and their plans. Some said they even had to sleep in their cars.

People slept in cars as winds closed traffic on I-15 near Primm

From the rain, snow and wind, many are wondering what is to be expected for the rest of the week. KTNV's Justin Bruce broke down the weather:

Eventful weather week: Here's what to expect as high wind advisory continues in the valley

13 First Alert Las Vegas midday forecast | February 22, 2023

Since the beginning of the week, KTNV has been collecting viewer video and photos of how the weather changed the look of the desert. Check them out here!

Courtesy Julie Genco

What comes up, must come down. The powerful 50 to 80 mph wind gusts were strong enough to bring down trees.

Tree damage follows after windstorm in Las Vegas
Heavy wind, rain causes damage to properties across Las Vegas

UPDATE 4 p.m.:

Interstate 40 is closed due to snow and ice, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada announced. The transportation agency says all lanes of the interstate are blocked from U.S. 93 to Flagstaff.

Drivers were advised to expect lengthy delays and use alternate routes if possible.

UPDATE 11:03 a.m.:

Interstate 15 re-opened at the Nevada-California state line after it was shut down for several hours due to high winds.

UPDATE 8:11 a.m.:

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles has announced that its Sahara office will be closed today, due to a power outage caused by Tuesday night's high winds.

CCSD has announced that four schools will be transitioning to distance learning on Wednesday out of "safety concerns for students and staff" due to storm damage.

  • Sunrise Acres Elementary School
  • Roy W. Martin Middle School
  • Variety School
  • Mission High School 

Additionally, two CCSD schools have also shifted to distance learning due to "storm-related road closures," according to the district.

  • Goodsprings Elementary School
  • Sandy Valley Schools

UPDATE 6:58 a.m.:

NV Energy reports that 3,496 customers in the Las Vegas valley are without power, as of Wednesday morning.

Roy Martin Middle School has canceled school for today due to a downed power line, according to a letter to parents.

Additionally, southbound I-15 at Primm is closed due to low visibility into California, according to RTC of Southern Nevada. Snow and high winds have been reported near the state line.


Update 11:05 p.m.:

Almost 20,000 NV Energy customers in Clark County are now without power, NV Energy's outage map shows.

Clusters of thousands of residents were impacted in the 89101, 89102, 89104 and 89110 zip codes.

Update 10:59 p.m.:

At least 6,899 NV Energy customers in Clark County are now without power, according to NV Energy's outage map.

Thousands of resident in the 89101 and 89102 zip codes were impacted, and more than 800 people were without power in the 89130 zip code.

NV Energy's outage map showed at least 81 power outages in Clark County.

Update 10:47 p.m.:

Nearly 5,000 NV Energy customers are now without power in Clark County, according to the utility company's website.

The largest impacted area is the 89102 and 89104 zip codes, per NV Energy's outage map.

Channel 13 producers witnessed traffic signals go out at the intersection of Valley View Boulevard and Desert Inn Road.

Update 10 p.m.:

NDOT is reporting that all lanes are closed on I-15 southbound near W. Primm Boulevard due to high winds.

Also, LAS is reporting a ground stop due to equipment outage.

Update: 9:38 p.m.:

Kevin Janison and Tricia Kean went live to explain weather updates as we enter peak wind hours.

Update 7:15 p.m.:

The FAA is changing their guidance. The ground stop will now be a ground delay. Flights will be delayed about an hour on average. The delays will be in effect until 1 a.m. Wednesday morning.

FAA ground delay 2-21-23 7 p.m.
FAA ground delay 2-21-23

NV Energy is currently reporting no outages in the valley.

NV Energy no outages 7 p.m. 2-21-23

Update 7:00 p.m.:

The FAA is issuing a ground stop at Harry Reid International Airport due to wind. The agency says it will remain in place until 8 p.m. and only affects departing flights.

FAA ground stop general 2-21-23
FAA ground stop 2-21-23

Update 6:30 p.m.:

The Tony Marques Band is canceling tonight's performance at the Fremont Street Experience due to high winds.

Update 6:15 p.m.:

Roads are closed on Reno Avenue and Giles Street east of Las Vegas Boulevard as NV Energy works to restore power.

Update 6:00 p.m.:

There are currently at least 21 cancelations and two delays at Harry Reid International Airport but it's unclear it's related to current wind conditions.

Harry Reid Intl 2-21-21 Arrivals Board
Arrivals board at Harry Reid International Airport at 6 p.m.
Harry Reid International Airport departures board 2-21-23 6 p.m.
Departures board at Harry Reid International Airport at 6 p.m.

The FAA said strong winds can affect an airport's operations.

If the wind direction and speed exceeds certain thresholds, it becomes unsafe for aircraft to land or depart. That's because different aircraft have different tolerances for crosswinds, and airlines may have their own policies for taking off or landing with crosswinds.

Officials at Harry Reid International Airport said you should check your flight status before you head out the door.

UPDATE 5:41 p.m.:

NV Energy says there are 13 current outagesaffecting 1,147 customers.

NV Energy Outages 2-21-23
NV Energy outages 2-21-23

RTC is reporting the traffic signal is out at Decatur Boulevard and Washington Avenue. You can treat the intersection as a four-way stop and expect delays.

NV Energy says they're preparing for these conditions by increasing the number of people working overnight so they can respond faster to issues and have more crews on the roads. Similar wind conditions hit the valley on March 30, 2017, which led to more than 44,000 people without power, delays at Harry Reid International Airport, and limited visibility.

The Neon Museum is closed tonight due to severe weather.