Strongest winds in 5 years hit Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS — Strong winds continued to buffet the Las Vegas Valley on Friday, a day after gusts wreaked havoc by delaying flights, toppling four large trucks, uprooting trees and destroying at least one casino marquee.
Alex Boothe, intern meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said powerful winds in the spring aren’t unusual, but Thursday’s wind speeds were the highest the region had experienced since 2012.
“It was higher than we’re used to,” Boothe said. “It’s been a little while.”
The winds were strong enough to force the National Weather Service to issue a dust warning and high-wind warning. Boothe said that occurs when visibility is a quarter of a mile or less and winds are sustained at 40 mph or gusts top 58 mph for at least an hour. The last dust warning issued here was in September.
Boothe said peak winds hit 84 mph at Desert Inn Road and Highway 215 near Summerlin, a community about 20 minutes west of the Strip. Video posted on social media by travelers near Red Rock Canyon showed cars pulling over as visibility deteriorated.
Four trucks were blown over on roads during the peak winds, causing some delays on Interstate 15, where lanes were closed by St. Rose Parkway exit near M Resort Spa Casino for about three hours before reopening Thursday evening.
The winds mangled the Main Street Station casino sign, leaving it tilting to one side and sustaining some missing pieces.
Crews on Friday had laid the sign flat and roped off the area, according to Boyd Gaming spokesman David Strow.
“It is beyond repair,” he said. “That sign will be gone.” He said it had been there since the 1980s and the casino would be looking into designing and replacing it.
McCarran International Airport saw flights delayed during the peak winds that reached 60 mph, and spokeswoman Christine Crews said 18 flights were diverted Thursday.
Around the Las Vegas Valley, some streets were blocked by fallen trees, and Clark County officials said they responded to about 60 calls.
Local television news reports showed one tree had fallen onto a home, collapsing part of its roof.
Nevada Power reported Friday it was still attempting to restore electricity to customers after about 50,000 were left in the dark because of the wind damage.