Monsoon Season Coming Soon To Las Vegas – Are You Prepared?
Las Vegas residents are no strangers to hot and dry weather for most of the year, but there’s one season that usually catches us all off guard: monsoon season. From June through September, the desert thunderstorms of monsoon season in Las Vegas can unleash strong winds, flash flooding, and, of course, some gnarly lightning strikes. But fear not, fellow Vegas dwellers! With a few simple tips and tricks, you can prepare your home and yourself to stay safe and dry during this monsoon madness.
Evaluate your property
Take a good look around your home and yard and identify any potential hazards. Are there any loose branches, patio furniture, or decorations that could become airborne during storms? Are your gutters and downspouts clear of debris? Are there any low spots or areas that tend to flood? Take care of these issues before the monsoons hit to prevent damage.
Stock up on supplies
Even if you’re not used to rainy weather, it’s wise to prepare for power outages, transportation disruptions, and other emergencies that could arise during a monsoon. Make sure you have plenty of bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit on hand. Consider investing in a generator or power bank to keep your electronics charged.
Secure your windows and doors
High winds during monsoon season in Las Vegas can wreak havoc on windows and doors, so now is the time to reinforce them. Install storm shutters or plywood over all windows, and add weatherstripping to seal any gaps around doors. If you don’t have a garage, park your car in a covered area or on higher ground to avoid flood damage.
Stay informed
Pay attention to weather forecasts and alerts, and be ready to act quickly if necessary. Sign up for emergency notifications from your local city, government officials, or utility provider, and have a plan in place for where to go or who to call in case of evacuation or other emergencies. Keep your phone charged and have a backup charger in case of power loss.
Be cautious on the roads
Monsoon storms can turn roads into rivers in a matter of minutes. And if you’ve ever driven on our local Las Vegas roads when they’ve been wet, you know it’s a slippery recipe for disaster. If you must drive during a storm, slow down and avoid areas with standing water. Don’t drive in flooded washes, as the depth and strength of the water can be deceptive. Always keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially large trucks or trailers that can become unstable in high winds.
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Weirdest Weather Events That've Happened In Las Vegas, Clark County
This year, Las Vegas has seen its most intense monsoon season in over a decade.
According to the National Weather Service, we haven’t received over an inch of rainfall since 2015. This year, Las Vegas received 1.28 inches of rainfall. And this abnormal weather has come with some dire consequences.
Recently, two people were found dead in a flood channel after intense rainfall in the region, according to 8 News Now.
Along with this horrible situation, social media lit up with tons of videos that showed water pouring from the ceilings of casinos or gushing through the streets of The Strip.
But the extreme flooding isn’t the only weather anomalies that have been plaguing the region. According to National Public Radio, cities such as Phoenix, Las Vegas and Houston have set heat records almost every summer.
Tornados have even been happening in the region. The NWS reports that since 1950, there has been 42 reported tornados in Clark, Lincoln and Mohave Counties.
With all of these floods and weather occurrences happening, it’s important to know if your living area is prone to flooding. Click HERE to see if your home or property is located within a flood zone.
There’s also a few steps you can take to protect your property if a flash flood warning is sent out.
- Check your homeowners insurance because most of them do not cover floods.
- Get sandbags just in case.
- Place items above your home’s flood line.
- Flood insurance takes an average of 30 days to kick in.
- Always have an emergency kit with non-perishable goods, water and a flashlight
You also need to be weary of your vehicle’s safety when it comes to flash floods. A few seconds can lead to a whole road becoming inundated, which is bad news for your car. Here are some tips to help you navigate flood waters, so you can stay safe and keep your car protected!
- Don’t drive through flooded roads or around barricades (if they’re set up).
- Six inches of fast moving water can sweep a vehicle off the roadway.
- Keep your car in first gear with the revs high if you’re stuck in standing water.
- If you’re in the middle of standing water and your car stalls then either turn it back on as fast as you can or don’t do it at all. You want to avoid your car from “hydrolocking.”
- Try to park your car on the highest part of the road if officials issue a flood warning
Since Vegas is experiencing some funky weather amid this monsoon season, here’s a list of the “weirdest” weather events that’ve happened in Las Vegas!
Sammi Reeves is the afternoon show host on 102.7 VGS. Before her radio career, she worked several jobs in the media industry, specifically involving social media and media buying. As a content creator for 102.7 VGS, Sammi writes Las Vegas content centered around local restaurants, events, and need-to-know news.