Heavy winds topple trees, fan fire and leave thousands without power

By Ana Ley

Published Sunday, May 11, 2014 | 12:45 p.m.

Updated Tuesday, May 13, 2014 | 2:05 p.m.

Howling north winds slammed the Las Vegas Valley overnight, toppling trees, fanning a downtown fire and knocking out power for thousands.

The National Weather Service on Saturday issued a wind warning that has since been downgraded in intensity but remains in effect through 2 p.m. today. Forecaster Barry Pierce said strong winds may return Tuesday.

Powerful gusts kicked in around dusk and peaked at about 65 mph, hurling lawn furniture in the valley and sending canopies flying outside Planet Hollywood, Pierce said. No wind-related injuries were reported.

The bad weather affected several outdoor events -- the annual San Gennaro Feast shut down about an hour earlier than usual and a Las Vegas 51s game was suspended in the 8th inning in a 5-5 tie against Tacoma.

Las Vegas Fire & Rescue responded to nine calls overnight for downed electrical lines. About 18,000 people lost power around the valley due to the wind, Pierce said.

The fire department rushed to a vacant house fire that erupted about 5:40 p.m. in the 200 block of S. 17th Street. Wind-whipped flames reached the yard before a crew arrived to tackle the fire, which began inside the kitchen. The blaze caused an estimated $50,000 in damage. Officials don't know what sparked it.

Dry, windy conditions fuel fires, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue spokesman Tim Szymanski said, urging people to properly discard cigarettes and to use caution when cooking outdoors.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story contained inaccurate information. The Nevada Gay Rodeo's annual Bighorn Rodeo carried on as scheduled, according to a publicist for the event. | (May 13, 2014)