Southern Nevada Braces For Heavy Rain As Hurricane Hilary Approaches
It’s been a pretty dry monsoon season so far in Southern Nevada. But that’s about to change.
Las Vegas locals remember the summer season of 2022. It was pretty crazy with high winds damaging fences and trees, and floods abandoning people in cars. Monsoon season this year has been comparatively mild so far. Southern Nevada’s monsoon season typically starts in June and goes through September, so rain and wind in August isn’t uncommon. It’s the time of year Las Vegas has gotten used to flash flooding and sporadic drops in temperature.
But really dramatic changes in weather are not typical even for this time of year in Las Vegas. And, according to meteorologists, that’s what Southern Nevada is facing now, nevadacurrent.com reported. A tropical storm on the west coast turned into a hurricane yesterday and is increasing rapidly in intensity. And Southern Nevada is right in the path of the storm.
Hurricane will bring a temporary change in weather to Southern Nevada.
Hurricane Hilary is expected to stay close to land on the west coast. Which means rain and lightning for California and Southern Nevada. Las Vegas is expecting a big drop in temperatures over this weekend and early next week as a result of the storm. But that much-welcomed cooler air comes with a price.
That price is a whole lot of rain. Nevadacurrent.com reported that Las Vegas typically gets 0.32 of an inch or rain total in the month of August. But this storm alone could bring the Las Vegas metro area an inch or even more. That amount of precipitation in a short period of time means Southern Nevada should be bracing for impact.
A storm watch is already in effect for much of the southwestern part of California. Which a first in history for that area. And the Clark County Regional Flood Control has already issued a flash flood alert for the weekend and beginning of next week.
Tips for staying safe during heavy storms.
Some good tips for Las Vegas residents include pulling over or slowing down if the rain gets too heavy to control your car safely. Also keeping necessities like water, non-perishable food and a first aid kit in your car. Change your travel route if you typically drive through areas known for flash flooding. And never cross flash floods in your car or on foot.
Be safe out there, Southern Nevada. But enjoy the cooler temperatures. They won’t be here for long. – Wendy Rush, 96.3 KKLZ
