Wind snaps utility poles, knocks out power

By Jean Reid Norman

Published Friday, May 29, 2009 | 1:23 p.m.

Updated Friday, May 29, 2009 | 2:32 p.m.

Ville Drive was closed at U.S. 93 and homes in surrounding neighborhoods lost power after a strong wind blew down four power poles in Boulder City.

Winds of about 50 mph came through about 8:30 a.m. today, city officials said. One pole snapped off at its midpoint and three at their base. A fifth pole was knocked over but not all the way down, police said.

"I looked up and heard a big crash," said Julie Kim, who was working the front desk at the Best Western Lake Mead Inn on Ville Drive. "It was somewhat of a surprise."

Power to about 300 homes was off until about noon, city officials said.

Power lines blocked Ville at the River Mountain Loop Trail, and crews from Boulder City Public Works and Embarq were on the scene making repairs.

Ville Drive was expected to remain closed the rest of the day. Neighborhoods off Ville Drive are accessible by taking Lake Mountain Drive to Marina Drive and turning right. Marina Drive can also be reached by taking Pacifica Way to Judi Lane, turning left, then right on Isabel Drive and left on Marina.