Thunderstorms dumped heavy rain over Inyo County Wednesday evening, triggering flash flooding along Highway 190 and Panamint Valley Road near Panamint Springs and prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood warning for the area. Forecasters warned that flooding was already occurring or imminent across creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses, and they urged anyone nearby to seek higher ground immediately.
The timing of the alert varied between reports. According to KESQ, the National Weather Service in Las Vegas issued the flash flood warning at 4:46 p.m. PDT, with it remaining in effect until 7:45 p.m. PDT. A separate account from modbee.com described an updated flash flood warning released at 5 p.m. for Inyo County, effective until 7:45 p.m.
Flooding Already Underway Near Panamint Springs
At 5:27 p.m. PDT, emergency management reported thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area, with flash flooding already occurring, the same report notes. The warning specifically named Panamint Springs as an affected location, noting that recent thunderstorms had already caused flooding along Highway 190 and around Panamint Valley Road.
The hazard was described in stark terms: life-threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses, the report states. The National Weather Service bulletin said at 5:27 p.m. PDT that thunderstorms were producing heavy rain across the warned area, with flash flooding ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
Officials Urge Drivers Not to Risk Flooded Roads
The National Weather Service repeated its standard but urgent guidance: turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads, since most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Fresnobee.com's report on the warning adds that as little as 12 inches of fast-flowing water can carry away most vehicles, underscoring how little margin drivers have on flooded stretches like Highway 190.
For residents or campers in flood-prone, low-lying areas, the guidance was to take immediate action and seek higher ground, according to a report from fresnobee.com. That warning applies broadly across the region's washes and canyons, where fast-moving water can rise with little notice during desert thunderstorms.
Tropical Storm Rachel's Remnants Brought Rain to Las Vegas
Tropical Storm Rachel's remnants brought rainfall to Las Vegas, as reported by reviewjournal.com.
No information on injuries, evacuations, road closures or property damage beyond the reported flooding along Highway 190 and Panamint Valley Road has been confirmed. Drivers and residents in the area are advised to monitor official National Weather Service updates for the latest on conditions as the storm system continues to move through the region.
