Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

More rain could hit by weekend

Reports of damage to city roads or public facilities should go to 229-6227. For reports of structural damage to private homes, call 229-6257 for a building inspection.

The Southern Nevada Chapter is at 791-3311.

Those wishing to donate to the American Red Cross disaster relief fund may contribute at any Wells Fargo branch. Make checks payable to the American Red Cross. Send donations to any Well Fargo Bank branch, Account No. 3418307090, Memo: LV Flood Relief Effort.

The main storm event in the Las Vegas Valley was over by 9 p.m., but there's still a chance of thunderstorms through the end of the week.

Residents who live in northwest areas hardest hit by last week's flash flood said they were wary of the potential for more rain, but few expected to see a repeat anytime soon.

"I've lived here a long time, and (last Tuesday) was the worst I've ever seen," said Steve Shina, who lives on the corner of Gowan Road and Corona Del Mar. "I think we may see more water, but I don't think we'll see it like that."

Though the Aug. 19 flood didn't reach his house, Shina said he was disconcerted that Gowan still seems to be a "flood zone."

"We really thought the detention basins would help," he said.

The National Weather Service posted a flash flood warning at 4:46 p.m. on Tuesday as thunderstorms rumbled into Southern Nevada, dropping more than half an inch of rain in Searchlight in less than half an hour.

The storms continued into the evening with up to 0.25 of an inch in Henderson.

All flash flood warnings and watches for Southern Nevada were canceled by 9 p.m., weather service meteorologist John Adair said.

So far this year official rainfall has reached 4.77 inches, already exceeding the area's average annual rainfall of 4.49 inches.

On Tuesday 0.14 of an inch of rain fell at McCarran International Airport where officials records are kept, breaking the old record of 0.13 of an inch set in 1972. "A hundreth of an inch isn't much of a record," Adair said.

There is a continued chance of thunderstorms until the weekend, then drier air is expected, weather service forecasters said.

But the aftermath from last week's northwest floods continues.

Clark County and Las Vegas officials are asking Gov. Kenny Guinn this week to request low-interest loans and grants from the Small Business Administration to help property owners pay for damage.

Hundreds of homes in both the county and the city have been affected from last week's storms.

Mayor Oscar Goodman was scheduled to tour the flooded homes within city limits with American Red Cross disaster relief teams this morning.

The American Red Cross is responding to homeowners by bringing emergency recreation vehicles to the damage houses and businesses, Executive Director Penney Towers said.

"The American Red Cross understands that many families are in need and unfortunately cannot come to our service center," Towers said.

The Red Cross Service Center is at Alexander Street and Allen Lane.

The Red Cross is providing basic necessities, such as food, clothing and shelter, she said.

"A lot of damage has occurred inside homes in the northwest that isn't necessarily visible on the outside," County Commissioner Chip Maxfield said. Maxfield's district includes a large portion of the northwest valley.

"Our best chance of getting residences financial assistance to make repairs is to provide the state with an accurate damage assessment that includes a list of all affected home and business owners," Maxfield said.

Initial estimates show that about 30 homes in unincorporated Clark County had flood damage.

archive