Monsoons bring threat of more wet weather

Monday, July 26, 1999 | 11:34 a.m.

Thunderstorms and high temperatures up to 109 degrees could threaten Southern Nevada's weather again this week, a long-term forecaster said today.

As the mass of monsoon-like moisture works its way north through Mexico, conditions in the Southwest favor thunderheads this week, meteorologist Ron McQueen said.

The boundary line keeping those drenching summer rains away has been the Colorado River for the past week, McQueen said.

But conditions are ripe to once again nudge the humid air mass west and north into Southern Nevada, he said.

The threat from thunderstorms packing flash floods like the one on July 8 hangs over Southern Nevada until mid-September, McQueen said.

But this week marks the most likely period for floods in the United States, he said. "It's the perfect conditions for causing flooding."

Why? The monsoon moisture is in place, and high-altitude winds that tear the tops off many thunderheads in the Southwest are calm, allowing afternoon heat to pump up those clouds, he said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency opened its doors today at 1 p.m. to aid Las Vegas and Clark County residents who seek disaster relief from the earlier floods, FEMA spokeswoman Eliza Chan said.

FEMA will offer information on how to build or buy a home or office that is safer and stronger against future flooding in Southern Nevada, Chan said.

Last week President Clinton declared the July 8 storm a major federal disaster, directing 75 percent in federal aid to repair $20.5 million in damage to public structures. The declaration also allows federal assistance for residents and businesses.

A toll-free 800 number is still the first step in receiving federal assistance, Chan said. More than 500 calls had been received through the weekend.

The center opened at 1455 E. Tropicana Ave., Suite 650. It will operate from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. every day for two weeks, Chan said, including weekends.

The first step for homeowners or small business owners to receive assistance is to call the federal number in Denton, Texas, where it takes about 20 minutes to fill out an aid application, FEMA spokeswoman Patti Roberts said.

The number is (800) 462-9029 or for the hearing or speech impaired, (800) 462-7585.

FEMA and the Small Business Administration will inspect each claim to assess its value, SBA spokesman Herb Johnston said.

Most people who qualify will receive low-interest loans up to $200,000, Johnston said. Low-income victims will receive grants up to $13,600, which the victims do not repay.