The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel are moving into Southern Nevada, bringing a rising chance of rain through the weekend and into early next week. The National Weather Service says there is a 25 percent chance of rain Saturday afternoon, increasing to 60 percent after 10 p.m. Meteorologist Brayden Murdock said a "wave of rain" may arrive after 6 p.m., with a 90 percent chance of rain Sunday, primarily in the morning, before chances diminish after 5 p.m. Rainfall totals could exceed one inch in many valley areas, with higher amounts in elevated terrain.
A flood watch is in effect through late Sunday night for the Las Vegas Valley, Spring Mountains, and Red Rock Canyon. The weather service warns that excessive runoff could flood rivers, creeks, low-water crossings, and urban areas with poor drainage. A wind advisory is also active from 2 p.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Monday for western Clark County, with south winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts between 45 and 55 mph. Southern Clark County falls under the advisory from 5 a.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday. Forecasters note a likely lull in winds late Saturday night through Sunday morning before they increase again Sunday afternoon.
The wet weather threatens several outdoor events, including the Summerlin Festival of Arts, Nightmare in Vegas at the Silverton, the Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival at Sunset Park, the Lebanese American Festival at St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church, and the Poolside Vibes Festival at Red Rock Resort. Rain chances persist at 50 percent Monday and 30 percent Tuesday as a cold front from the Pacific Northwest interacts with the storm remnants.
Temperatures will drop significantly, with Tuesday's high forecast at 71 degrees — more than 10 degrees below normal. Cooler-than-normal conditions, with lows in the 50s, are expected to remain through next week. The valley recently recorded its wettest monsoon season in three years following late September rainfall.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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