The National Weather Service in Las Vegas has put out a warning that should have residents of Mohave, Lincoln, and southeastern San Bernardino Counties on high alert. A Flood Watch has been activated from Thursday through Saturday due to the expected heavy rainfall brought by the remnants of Tropical Storm Priscilla. The Vegas forecasters have stated that showers and thunderstorms are set to pervade the region starting Thursday and persisting through the weekend.
Desert areas don’t usually get much rain in October, so the expected rainfall—250–350% above normal—is unusually high. The NWS warns that when the storms hit, rain could fall at over an inch per hour, raising the risk of flash flooding. Because of this, officials have issued a flood watch starting at 10:00 a.m. PDT/MST.
The influx of moisture from Priscilla comes with another weather headache — an incoming trough that's forecasted to clear out the moisture by late Saturday into Sunday, and in turn, ushering in cooler-than-normal temperatures that are expected to linger for much of next week. This is a nuance the residents must prepare for, as they'll be navigating not just wet, but potentially chilly conditions in a region accustomed to warmth.
Inherent flight risks accompany any stormy weather, particularly for a bustling hub like Harry Reid Airport. The NWS cautions that "The primary concern will be periodic showers and thunderstorms," which could start late Thursday morning and increase as the day progresses, making flight delays and more turbulent skies a distinct possibility. Should the thunderstorms gather overhead, we could see temporary drops to MVFR/IFR conditions, making for some nerve-wracking moments for pilots and passengers alike. Winds may remain under 10kt if they're not swirled by passing storms, but heed should be taken, for gusts could strike without much warning.
For those interested in staying ahead of the weather game, the National Weather Service encourages spotters to report any significant conditions they encounter. The information these individuals provide aids forecasters in adjusting their predictions and warnings, helping to keep the public informed and safe as the skies open up and release their pent-up fury over the desert sands.
