Las Vegas Weather Alert: Heavy Rain & Mountain Snow

Unprecedented Weather Hits Sin City: Rainfall Records Shattered

Las Vegas is experiencing a dramatic weather shift as heavy rainfall and mountain snow warnings blanket the region, breaking long-standing precipitation records and prompting significant safety alerts. This rare atmospheric event has transformed the typically arid desert landscape into a flood-risk zone while blanketing nearby mountain ranges with significant snowfall.

Flood Watch Declared for Las Vegas Valley

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Clark County and surrounding areas through late Tuesday night. Meteorologists report rainfall totals between 0.50 to over 1 inch in some locations, with Sandy Valley recording 1.10 inches and Goodsprings receiving 1.06 inches within hours. These downpours have already disrupted air travel at Harry Reid International Airport, causing delays of up to 100 minutes.

"This system could push the Las Vegas Valley over its normal annual rainfall total of 4.19 inches with six weeks still remaining in the year."

Officials warn that rapidly accumulating rain has overwhelmed drainage systems, creating hazardous driving conditions with standing water on roads like I-15 near The Rio Hotel. Residents are urged to avoid flooded areas and prepare for possible road closures.

Winter Storm Warning for Mountain Regions

While the valley battles rain, surrounding mountains face a Winter Storm Warning through Wednesday morning. The Spring Mountains and Sheep Range are expected to receive 5-10 inches of snow above 7,000 feet, with heavier accumulations of 10-16 inches above 8,000 feet. Lee Canyon could see over a foot of snow by Wednesday.

This sudden winter weather has created challenging conditions at higher elevations, with Kyle Canyon experiencing a transition from rain to snow by sunset. Authorities caution mountain travelers about rapidly deteriorating road conditions and potential avalanche risks.

Extended Forecast: More Storms Ahead

This current system is the second in a series of atmospheric rivers hitting the West Coast. Forecasters predict a third storm will arrive Thursday night, bringing lighter precipitation before skies clear over the weekend. Temperatures will remain cool, with daytime highs in the 50s through mid-week before recovering to the 60s by Saturday.

Looking ahead, the region could see additional showers returning early next week before Thanksgiving. This extended wet pattern continues a trend of rare precipitation events in 2025, including October's remnants of Tropical Storm Priscilla and May's record-breaking rainfall.

Safety Recommendations

• Driving Safety: Reduce speeds, use headlights, and avoid flooded roadways
• Weather Alerts: Monitor NOAA Weather Radio and local emergency services
• Mountain Travel: Carry chains and emergency supplies if heading to higher elevations
• Home Preparedness: Clear gutters and secure outdoor items that could become projectiles

For real-time updates and localized radar, download the official weather apps from FOX5 or 8 News Now.