Las Vegas drying out after 2 days of heavy rainfall that prompted water rescues, possible drowning

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Las Vegas is currently undergoing a process of drying out following a consecutive two-day period of intense rainfall that inundated thoroughfares, necessitated numerous water rescues, led to the closure of a segment of Interstate 15 located to the south of the metropolis, and potentially led to the unfortunate loss of life in at least one instance.

On Sunday, residents of Las Vegas were contending with the aftermath of a spell of heavy rainfall spanning two days, which inundated roads, prompted a series of water rescues, enforced the closure of a section of Interstate 15 in the southern vicinity of the city, and conceivably resulted in at least one fatality.

As per the National Weather Service’s assessment, there was a marginal probability of excessive rainfall persisting on Sunday, with a subsequent anticipation of the weather transitioning to drier conditions for the subsequent week.

The intensive precipitation that occurred over the past 48 hours led to the execution of 24 water rescues, which encompassed the extraction of more than 30 vehicles stranded in waterlogged areas and the successful retrieval of approximately twelve individuals who found themselves marooned in areas affected by standing or flowing water. These operations were skillfully carried out by the competent teams of Las Vegas Fire & Rescue.

In the early hours of Saturday, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue made a grim discovery in the northwest sector of the city – the lifeless body of an individual who is believed to have perished due to drowning. This individual had been reported by witnesses as having been swept away by the force of moving water. Detailed information such as the cause of death and the identity of the deceased person have yet to be disseminated by the authorities.

Throughout the preceding 48-hour span, certain regions situated in close proximity to Las Vegas received an accumulation of over 3 inches (equivalent to approximately 7.6 centimeters) of rain, as meticulously recorded by data sourced from the Clark County Regional Flood Control District.

For the year 2023, Las Vegas has been subjected to a total of 3.9 inches (approximately 9.9 centimeters) of precipitation, signifying a deviation of 1.2 inches (around 3 centimeters) above the established norm. Furthermore, this figure falls short of the standard annual precipitation by a mere 0.19 inches (approximately 0.48 centimeters), as meticulously elucidated by the insights provided by the meteorological service.

It’s pertinent to note that the city experienced a prior encounter with heavy rainfall in the preceding month, attributed to the effects of Tropical Storm Hilary. This meteorological event led to the inundation of the iconic Las Vegas Strip and triggered a series of water rescue operations.

Apart from submerging streets and walkways across Las Vegas, the relentless downpour also led to the closure of all lanes on the segment of Interstate 15 situated south of Jean. However, in a welcome update, officials revealed that, as of late Saturday night, the entire stretch of the freeway had been fully reopened for normal traffic flow.

In view of the ongoing circumstances, a flood watch has been upheld, extending until the morning of Monday, encompassing specific sectors of eastern, north central, northeast, and south central Nevada, as meticulously communicated by the meteorological service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Las Vegas rainfall

More about Las Vegas rainfall

• Las Vegas Rainfall and Floods
• National Weather Service
• Las Vegas Fire & Rescue
• Clark County Regional Flood Control District
• Tropical Storm Hilary Impact
• Interstate 15 Closure
• Flood Watch Information